Despite the difficult times and hard decisions you had to make I think looking at the big picture your body is utterly amazing being able to fight off the faulty genes and not get cancer from the constant inflamation.
So there are definately good genes in you
I've been living with asthma for 30 years now.
It was so severe when I was a kid that I was in hospital year-round. Doctors called my parents to the hospital one day and told them "there is no hope for this boy he can't live much longer with this condition". I heard them say this, I was in the corridor.
Relatives and classmates started coming in to say goodbye, everyone was basically getting ready for my funeral.
Slowly, I got better and by age 18 I was enjoying sports no different from other boys, even had more stamina than some of the other guys I used to compete with.
Life was good!
I had excellent grades in university and my parents were happy and proud.
But happiness is so transient.
After beating asthma I now get AS about ten years later and I am back in hospital.
Sad story at least I had ten "normal" years disease free.
So, what are you cooking today do you cook for the entire family?
My grandmother is 86, she has severe spinal damage her back is bent in a horrific position but not from AS.
She developed kyphosis after a fall in which she suffered broken ribs and concussion.
Years after she still complains of occassional back pain.
Before my AS I was often asking myself how is this possible, poor woman how can her back deform so much and give her so much pain.
Now I know.
Yet, like you she is still happy and doesn't want to go to grave. She is social, does her own shopping and goes out with friends when the weather is good. :))
How was the enchilada meal, we don't have this here is it tasty :))
