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Oct 6th, 2025
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If you want to use this QR code (Quick Response code) just save the image and paste it where you want. You can even print it and use it that way. Coffee cups, T-Shirts etc would all be good for the QR code.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13
New_Member
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OP
New_Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13 |
I have had some form of arthritis for 17 years, but after having iritis back in November I have finally got a definite diagnosis of AS. For some weird reason, this really scares me, is this totally normal or am I a nutter? So glad to have found you, need support, don't think family understand.
Did you know Henry the 8th died on a Friday?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 550
Sergeant_AS_Kicker
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Sergeant_AS_Kicker
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 550 |
Hi ratbag (LOVE the name!)  Nope, you're not a nutter, lol, what you're feeling is absolutely normal. AS can be a very scary thing. BUT, knowledge is power, and you've come to the right place to learn everything about this disease and ways you can control it. Welcome.
Stacie
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 773
Magical_AS_Kicker
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Magical_AS_Kicker
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 773 |
Ratbag, welcome to KA. You've found a great place to find lots of info. about AS. I think we've all experienced that "scared" feeling at first. It takes time to absorb the dx. but gradually you will. Try focusing on the things you can do and you'll find yourself doing them better than ever. Have a look around the forums. Great bunch of folks here that are more than willing to help out with any questions you have. They've been invaluable to me as I stumbled around asking what ifs and why nots.  good luck, Klem 
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12,465
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12,465 |
Hi,... and Welcome to KA!  I'm sorry you've had to suffer through so many years without a diagnosis. That's an awfully long time. It is a scary thing to wrap your mind around, but having a name for it at least helped you find this huge group of us who really do understand what you've been going through all these years. I've had AS for 24 yrs and battled the nasty iritis too. Not fun stuff. Perhaps with this dx your family will begin to reach a new level of understanding. No-one should have to feel alone and unsupported and especially not when fighting some disease that most people haven't even heard of... and that's what makes this place so great - an instant sense of belonging.  Take care,
mig
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 308
Fourth_Degree_AS_Kicker
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Fourth_Degree_AS_Kicker
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 308 |
Hiya ratbag.
I've just started some new meds and I'm a bit scared. I think everyone is when they first find out about it.
KickAS has been great for me, information and support. The truth is, they tell you next to nothing at the hospital and the doctors office. I'm lucky that my rhuemy is caring and pretty good, but they only have a little time.
Families can't really understand either, not through not wanting to; but if you don't have it, you can't really understand it, is my feeling.
Hang around here, post and ask questions, whatever's on your mind. I did, and it really helped.
_______________________________________________________________________
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,552 Likes: 10
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,552 Likes: 10 |
Hi Ratbag,
You found the best place to be able to learn about AS. Hopefully you can pick up some ideas in your treatment plan moving forward. I agree with Shane... probably learn more here if you stick around then from your doctor. But still important to have doc so have effective treatment plan.
Personally... I now use the No Starch Diet as my cornerstone in my treatment of AS and am 90-95% functional as a result. If you want to learn more... visit the diet forum and learn from the many there that have had similar results.
Take care and best wishes on your course of action...
Tim
AS may win some battles, but I will win the war.
KONK - Keep ON Kicking
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,190
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,190 |
ratbag...I love the name too...lol
Welcome to Kick AS!!!!!
You will make lots of new friends.
I will chat more later, just wanted to welcome you.
Lisa
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
Member
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Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34 |
Welcome ratbag, It's totally normal to feel scared. Wem, and not even soldiers are "trained" to fight against that we cannot see or that we have knowledge of. Yes, knowledge is power, learn and it will go much better with you. I myself went from my 10th year to my 16th year undiagnosed. So I can try understand what u went through. I'll pray that you'll find some comfort and peacehere. Also, give your family some time, in time they'll start to understand a bit better, maybe not fully, but better. I'll pray for guidance for you Greets
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329
Fourth_Degree_AS_Kicker
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Fourth_Degree_AS_Kicker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329 |
Hi there Ratbag, Welcome to KickAS  . I'm so glad you found us. You will find the most wonderful people here who have tons of info. Take care . Warm hugs  Debora
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 789
Magical_AS_Kicker
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Magical_AS_Kicker
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 789 |
 Having a name won't change the symptoms you've already been having, but it should make it easier to cope with them. I bet finding yourself here will help even more 
~Chelle
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