Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Been busy with school work...

Hey all,
I know I said a few weeks ago I'd keep everyone updated with my dilemma of not knowing what to do about switching from Humira to Remicade and that I was visiting the rheumy soon. Unfortunately, school work got crazy hectic and now I have only 3 classes left of my undergraduate career In 22 days I'll be graduating from college which seems absolutely insane to me!

But anyway, my rheumy wanted me to try the Humira for a little longer and increased the injections to weekly rather than bi-weekly, this has also had no effect for me. In the meantime, I went to see a pain specialist to see if he had anything for me. He decided that we should try cortisone injections in my sciatica region. That hasn't worked either.

I'm really thinking that once I graduate and am home for the summer I will have more options available to me and am going to give the LSD or NSD a serious try. I will also be able to be on a more regimented exercise plan which will probably also help. The pain has been really bad lately and has moved up to my neck as well...it's making it really hard to do everyday things. However, I'm really realizing that this isn't going to stop me from fulfilling my dreams. I'm about to get my BA in psychology...hopefully get accepted to the forensic psych program at the grad school I want and in time I will find ways to deal with AS and get it under control. More and more I'm seeing what an amazing group of people we are and I am more than thankful for the support you guys have given me throughout this year.

This has been by far one of the most stressful years for me having been diagnosed with AS and struggling to complete my senior year of college. At some of my worst moments where I felt hopeless with my AS you guys brought a smile back to my face and a glimmer of hope back. Words can never really express my gratitude.

Round of applause for all of us struggling with AS, but kicking AS!

Jess

Jess

I was diagnosed with AS in my second year at Uni. I too struggled with finding time to deal with the whole AS and still do. I always said I would deal with it and get proper help after uni was done. However, here i am in grad school and still not dealt with it properly. Just going to Rheumy appointments to one that isn't that helpful because he is convient... In a convient location for when I am in Ontario and you can get an appointmetn with him fairly quickly.

However, you need to take time for yourself in the busyiness and crazyiness of school. If there is one thing i fail it, let it be it! Now suffereing from a cold because of it. I know let myself get caught in the middle of the funnal where things are busy around me, but I stop myself every once and awhile, SAY NO for a week straight to afterschool commitments and breath!

I do hope you are able to find some relief soon. I too plan on going to NSD once my life becomes stable in September. Good luck on finishing your undergrad and getting into Grad school (I also did an undergrad in psyc). KA has saved me so many times.

Take care,
Sam

I am amazed at these stories and the accomplishments students with AS have made, truly amazed. You are all exceptional! Bravo!

I am so happy to hear you are going to give NSD a shot. It sounds like you are recently diagnosed and hopefully not that far progressed in this disease, and the diet should help you quickly. I am amazed at how this disease is totally controlled by what I eat. I have been doing this for about 8 months now, and when I eat starch I become inflamed and in pain. It's that simple. Please also take the time to build up your depressed immune system as well. Doing this on top of the NSD, and you will feel fantastic and completely healed. Like a new person. We are here to help you get thorugh it.

I recall those last weeks of college and the realization I was joining the workforce on full time basis year round... felt surreal.

Best of luck chasing your dreams, grad school and finding answers to AS. I think having a positive attitude will help in all those endeavors. Read in a book this morning eating breakfast of a doctor that could predict which of his patients would recover from cancer... those that talked of their dreams nearly always recovered.

Dream away,

Tim

Hi Jess,
Congrats on your degree! My undergrad was a BSc in Psychology/Neuroscience too.
This summer I'll be finishing up a thesis, and I'll have my MSc Epidemiology! At least I hope I'll be finishing it. Might have to be moved to the Fall since humira isn't really working for me either and I'm working at a snail's pace. I think I might give the once a week thing a try if the powers that be, let me.
I'm so sorry you're going through this right at the very end - doesn't AS always seem worse at the end of the term? But it'll only get better. Like you said, more time to play around with options in the summer, more sun, less stress. And a grad school with a program you actually enjoy. It all gets better from here. Hang in there girl!
A round of applause for those of us trying to finish school!

You guys are absolutely amazing !!!

Sherri

Hi Jess,

Bravo to you for your courage to finish your degree and then aim higher with your education into grad school!!!

My symptoms started during my last year at University (double major in Bio and Psych) and I remember how hard it was for me to sit for long periods of time and study (esp. at 3am when I got my best studying done!!). Did the pain specialist have any other suggestions than cortisone injections?

you know that you always have a cheering sections in us at KickAS!!!

All the best,

Trina