A Wellness Journey – a Column by Lisa Marie Basile

September 30, 2020September 28, 2020

Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Not Your Fault

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

Some people just don’t “get” chronic illness, and they can be pretty cruel about it — or thoughtless, at the very least. It’s hard when people don’t understand what it’s ... Read more

March 25, 2020March 20, 2020

Kicking Alcohol Changed My Ankylosing Spondylitis Experience

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

After my diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in 2017, my doctor told me to quit drinking and smoking and to start a decent exercise routine. Then, he basically said, “Go ... Read more

March 18, 2020March 18, 2020

Balance Your Anxiety and Concern About COVID-19

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

I’ve noticed lately that public health crises, such as the new coronavirus pandemic, make many people anxious. This is especially true for the immunocompromised, disabled, and chronically ill. Of course, ... Read more

March 11, 2020March 9, 2020

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About AS

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

Look, I get it. You can’t blame people for being curious. It’s hard not to be when someone lives with an incurable — and mostly invisible — disease. I’m not ... Read more

March 4, 2020March 3, 2020

AS Inspires Intentional Living and More Meaningful Activities

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

A lot can be said for living intentionally. This is a buzzy phrase that people either seem to scoff at or tune into. I’m aware of its sometimes empty, woo-woo ... Read more

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 dues) ... 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 aches. ... 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 nature ... 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 feels ... 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 good ... Read more