A Wellness Journey – a Column by Lisa Marie Basile

February 12, 2020February 10, 2020

An Open Letter to Newly Diagnosed Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

Dear newly diagnosed friend, You are now inducted into the ankylosing spondylitis (AS) society. Welcome. You didn’t ask for this and likely have no idea what its perks (or ... Read more

February 5, 2020February 3, 2020

Here’s What I’ve Learned About Gut Health and AS

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

I’ve had gut problems for a long time. We’re talking years. When I was a kid, my mom, who was a nursing assistant, helped me when I had tummy ... Read more

January 29, 2020January 27, 2020

Here Are My Journal Questions About Chronic Illness and Flare-ups

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

When I’m in a flare-up, I sometimes journal about what I feel — especially if I’m feeling vulnerable, weak, sad, or frustrated. I do this because writing is second ... Read more

January 22, 2020January 20, 2020

The Importance of Meeting Other People with Ankylosing Spondylitis

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

I rarely meet anyone with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and I almost never meet someone who knows what it is or how to pronounce it. So when I do, it ... Read more

January 15, 2020January 10, 2020

As a New Year Begins, I’m Seeking the Silver Lining with AS

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

As we begin a new decade and a new year, I’m trying to focus more on ankylosing spondylitis as a strength rather than a limitation. I’ve always been relatively ... Read more

January 8, 2020January 3, 2020

Reflecting on My Past Year with Ankylosing Spondylitis

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

The past year has been good for me in terms of my ankylosing spondylitis. Just saying that out loud makes me wonder if I’m jinxing it. But the fact ... Read more

October 2, 2019September 27, 2019

Anger Is a Natural Response to Chronic Illness

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

I’ve kept this column positive for a while now, not only for you, my readers, but also for myself. If I keep my head up and find the wisdom ... Read more

September 25, 2019September 30, 2019

Canceling on Friends: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

It’s easy to say that if people can’t understand us, we should just forget ’em. Unfortunately, people like — and to some extent need — their friends and family. ... Read more

July 24, 2019July 22, 2019

Here Are Some Inspiring AS Instagram Accounts to Follow

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

When you’re searching for others who understand the AS experience, you probably want to see something real — not something sanitized or generated by pharmaceutical groups. There comes a ... Read more

July 17, 2019July 16, 2019

I Hiked Too Hard and Pushed Myself Too Far — and That’s OK

A Wellness Journey - a Column by Lisa Marie Basile, Columns

The other day, my friends, my boyfriend, and I traveled from New York City, where I live, to Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York State. And I’m glad ... Read more