Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Newbie in town

Rox, don't you know?





I was looking for a Sutter Home White Zinfandel picture, but the one I put up before was the clearest.

Ian

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. --Benjamin Franklin

Hi Drewster,
Wanted to pop in and welcome you to KA. You've probably realized by now you have definitely come to the perfect place for knowledge and support when it comes to AS.
Looks like you've already gotten plenty of great info already, so you don't need any input from me, but I did want to mention...in case it wasn't already...
If your tested for the HLA-b27 gene and if it comes out negative, this does not mean that you do not have AS. There are plenty of people here who have tested negative and still have AS. Because they match the criteria for having AS they ended up with the diagnosis.
Also, just because someone tests postive for the gene doesn't mean they have AS or will ever have it.
You mentioned you wanted to have this done, so I wanted to warn you about this in case your thinking this could give you a definite answer.
I have to agree with others that it sounds like you do have AS.
Wish we could say it didn't sound like it, but we would rather be honest and help steer you in the right direction and help you get the treatment you need.
Anyway, hope you decide to stick around and get to know us all better and us you.
Good luck with finding a good rheumy!
Lisa

Lisa,

Thanks for the information and advice! That kitty photo is just too cute, is it one of yours? I am very touched by the welcome I have received here, from you and everyone else.

It's funny, but I've been living with my pain for so long it's really become a part of my life, but an annoying one. Then I look around at some of the stories of what other people are going through and I can't imagine how they do it! My little bit of pain and loss of mobility in my neck (and all my other complaints) are nothing compared with what others have and are suffering!

Thanks so much for your thoughts, and I'm sure I'll see you around here!

Andy

---

It only hurts when I laugh.
Too bad I find life so funny...

HEY! If "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy", White Zin is proof that God wants us to act a LOT more civilized than we are already


(Actually, I like Sutter Home, but I am more partial to Gallo!)

Rox
+ =

http://www.geocities.com/artisan1998.geo/index.html

Welcome Drewster!

Sounds like AS and other complications, check out our forums, lots of great ideas to share and a ton of support!!

Peace
Linc

Linc O'Brien

Linc,

I'm just feeling my way around for now. I am finding a lot of good info all over, but there's just so much here and time is never forgiving...

Andy

---

It only hurts when I laugh

Too bad I find life so funny...

Love it, Love it!!!

Cheers

Irene

What lies behind us and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us

Andy Hi and Welcome to the KA Family!!

Not too sure about your condition, but does sound alot like AS. Does'nt matter if it turns out not to be. Hang out with us and share!!!

Cheers and Happy KA-ing.

Irene

What lies behind us and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us

Hi Andy,
No, the kitty isn't mine, although he does look a little like the two I have when they were babies. Someone sent this picture to me via email and I fell in love with it and decided to put it as my sig pic. I used to have my German Shepherd (who passed away from complications of AS). I had her as my sig pic since I became a member here about 4 years ago and it was a little difficult to change, but it was time. I knew it was going to take a special picture to make me change and this one definitely qualified

Yes, alot of people here with AS have been through hell and back.
I have to laugh when I think back to when I was diagnosed and my doc telling me I should be able to live a normal life, and now here I am in a wheelchair. We didn't know the disease would get as aggressive as it did.
We all just do what we have to to get by and live as normally as we possibly can. This site definitely helps us to do that along with meds, pain management, positive thinking and just plain learning how to tolerate and cope. It's true what they say that laughter is the best medicine too.
I hope in time this site will help you too as much as it has helped many of us.
Don't forget to check out my book forum and feel free to add anything you would like.

Take care,
Lisa

Lisa,

I loved the cat picture also!! Looks a lot like my parents cat (Jingles) when she was small. Although Jingles never fell asleep in her food bowl (ate it up too quickly)

Take care,

Tim

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchhill