Happy World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day!

2nd May 2020 marks another push to raise awareness for AS around the World.

It also marks my 10 year diagnosis anniversary.

And my 20 year anniversary from when the symptoms started.

With greater awareness, I’ve no doubt my diagnosis and treatment would have come sooner. Delaying the build up of bone in my joints in response to the inflammation.

Inflammation itself has many knock on effects so catching and treating the effects of inflammation early have many health benefits.

One not so obvious effect of pain from AS, is the damage to your mental health.

According to the Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) International Federation, 6 out of 10 people living with axSpA will experience mental distress.
I can recall standing on the London Tube train on my way to work and home again, desperate to sit, however I looked like everyone else right. No crutch, no plastered limb and no child in arms. So no one was going to give up their seat or afford me any extra space to get off the crowded train as I grit my teeth in pain through every twist and bend and stoop like an escapologist to reach the platform. Where I then stood to let the bulk of commuters rush off so I could pigeon step my way to the escalator.

I felt alone in my suffering. Invisible to everyone, yet on fire according to my pain receptors!

Like most people, it’s a journey of highs and lows but the pain is definitely associated with those lows.

As part of my regular check-up I have to complete several forms one of which is focused on my mental health.

It looks like this:

Sometimes it’s good to try and define your feelings. It’s only a snapshot but when was the last time you or anyone else asked you these kind of questions?

However you feel right now, I hope your highs out weigh your lows and you have a great day today 🙂

 

Read more about mental health and living with AS here