Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Hypochondria Jibes ??

Thankyou ...Pix

Hi there, much as I would love to take credit for my signature pic, I alas cannot. I change this picture according to the season and use ones that I find on the net. If I know the name of the artist I generally put his or her name up as well. If I don't, I can't. I've saved a bunch of online art over at imageshack, usually saving them under the artist's name. This one, unfortunately, is in my general file, which means I never had the artist's name in the first place.

Glad you like it, however.

Interesting that you're starting out as a graphic artist. What's your favourite medium and subject?

Hugs,

I'm sorry you have to put up with that. I can't offer good advice, I'm learning myself. But I know what you feel like! I'm really fortunate, a lot of the gals at work at first didn't understand, but now they kinda take it on faith. Well, they have to cuz I don't look bad...I'm a buff farm girl who was a tremendous athlete...and I still mostly look like one but OMG I DO NOT feel like one anymore! The ones that know me well at work...they can tell now when i come in at the early hours of the morning, they know...i think cuz I look like hell but my mom has a hard time. She's my very best friend and we have pretty much lifted each other up and it's hard to move past her b/c she can't "come along" yet. Its too much for her to even admit that I am sick and particularly with something as rough as this debilitating disease. she's still in a lot of denial. But it takes time...and i think our ability to communicate, and folks ability to listen is key. I've had to have just small short conversations with my mom and now she is starting to acknowledge that i am not always gonna be in top notch condition. At work, i mention when i am slow that day...so they know I'm not being lazy. I tell them..."I'm slow today, you want it faster you'll have to do it.." now they know and b/c we have a great team for which I am truly proud of...they cover for me when I need help. Good teams take care of each other. But it took a lot of talking, mentioning, explaining, and looking for the right times to bring those things up.

Enough! sorry it's so long...but my last mention is that we are here for you and this place has been a great source of comfort and encouragement! here, they know what you mean when you say "I feel...." Its hard with friends and family but you're not alone either!!! Take courage..it will work itself out in time..

I am glad that you are able to keep up your athlitic activities , there is nothing better than the feeling of competing and pitting your body against your peers (I used to think of myself as a budding gymnast). Thankyou for your comments, and I hope that you continue to beat AS into submission with your athleticism ... Pix ..