AS Diagnosis and Mindset Going Forward
Hi all — felt like writing a short intro post as I was finally diagnosed with AS after years of tight hips and back pain starting in high school sports, eventually leading to pretty extreme SI joint and upper glute pain over the last few years now in my mid-20s.
Right now I’m focused on optimizing lifestyle habits (sleep, hydration, lower inflammation diet, fish oils, daily movement, stretching, posture, etc.) and will also begin learning more about biologics through my rheumatologist. Would love to hear any tips or things that have helped others as I start this journey.
A short mindset perspective I wanted to share — my grandpa had AS and my dad has AS, so there were definitely times growing up where my family hoped it wouldn’t get passed down to me. But here we are.
What has helped me mentally is keeping perspective. A couple weeks before my diagnosis, one of my best friend’s brothers was diagnosed with ALS and only has a short time left to live, leaving behind a wife and young kids. Seeing that situation unfold reminded me that while AS can absolutely be difficult and painful, I still have a lot to be grateful for.
My faith has also been a huge part of processing all of this. I truly believe the Lord has blessed me with an amazing life and, Lord willing, many decades ahead with my wife and hopefully future kids someday. Though I may deal with more pain and stiffness than the average person, I still feel incredibly thankful for the life I’ve been given.
I know everyone’s journey and severity is different, and some people on here are carrying far heavier burdens than others. But I hope everyone gives themselves grace and remembers that even in hard seasons, there can still be a meaningful and joy-filled life ahead, and that we’re not walking through these things alone :)