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 uses, but I believe that it is important — especially when living with a chronic illness. Before ankylosing spondylitis (AS)…

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) might be. Nonetheless, you are here and so are we — we’re in it together. You probably had a…

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. My father even brought me to see her at work at the hospital when I was in so much pain…

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 to me (duh!), but also because being aware of my feelings makes it easier for me to manage them. I…

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 extra special. I recently spoke in person with someone who had written a piece about their experience with AS and…

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 at finding the silver lining in hard situations, but when times are tough and moments get dark, I sometimes give…

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 is that it was a good year. I was very mobile for the most part. Pain levels rarely were over a…

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 beneath the trauma, then all will be well. Most of the time that’s true. But I have a bone to pick…

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. So, it hurts when people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience a flare-up and have to cancel plans. Cancellations are met with…

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 point when articles and information shared by doctors just feel a little empty, devoid of the real perspective. You ask yourself:…