A.S. Face 0081: Candace
Hi my name is Candace I live in Texas.
When I was in my 20′s I was diagnoses with Systematic Lupus (another autoimmune disease) at that time I had two young daughters. This was devastating news. I prayed please let me see my girl grow up. I had a situation a few years later where I got real sick and lost feeling in my face. I was hospitalized asap as I had lupus and epilepsy. They never really found out what happened. They had thought a stroke and also took fluid from my spine to make sure nothing was effecting my brain. I still have a little reminder once in a while when my smile doesn’t work on one side..but that is it.
When I was 30 I went to a new doctor and he said I have good news and bad news. Good news your lupus is in remission. Bad news you have Ankylosing Spondiltis. Well these autoimmune diseases seem to cross over who knows. All I know they cause pain! I tried a variety of medicine including methotrexate, humira, enbrel..etc..I finally decided in my late 30′s that I didn’t want these drugs anymore..they were making me sick and I felt I was battling the symptoms of the drugs. I worked full-time, was a mother and a wife. Was always there for my girls never missed a beat no matter the pain. My husband at the time helped me with injections but never really understood the disease or wanted to. Hard to live with one that doesn’t think you are in pain. I actually have a high pain tolerance but it shows eventually.
I am now 43, I divorced 2 years ago..you want to grow old with someone who will be there for you…that was not happening among other things. I lost my job Christmas week of 2010. Lost my medical for me and my family. I found employment January 2011 but have no medical for the first time in my life. I have been living on prayer this year. My 17 year daughter is a senior and she is in pain..not sure why but it worries me. We do take a lot of advil and yes I know that can harm you but so can the drugs the doctors give you. We do what we can. This fall/winter is starting off rough..the pain is dailey…..I will not let this disease control my life…but it does tell me to slow down..I get told I look 35..that is great but there are days I feel way older than I am. I am HLB27 positive.
I thanked god for letting me see my daughters grow. No I pray to get through the difficult times and look forward to a brighter future!
Rockwall Texas, United States Of America
hello AS people
Thanks Candace! I can relate, but have two boys, I am 40. My youngest is in his last year of school too, 17 and has struggled with pain since he was jumped in 8 grade, his back is slightly curved too. He can get tested right now – I have medicaid or something. but he does not want to know if he has the HLAB27 gene. It is hard to worry about the kids having our kind of pain. I too lost my husband and job…. wow, hang in there sweetie. I am not sure how any of us do this, but I loved reading your story
Dear Candace,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. First let me tell you that you have a beautiful smile. My goal is to raise awareness and maybe one day start a foundation that will assist people in need for medical treatments of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Thank you for your courage in sharing your reality to us and reminding me why we work so hard to bring awareness. Blessings to you.
Sincerely Cookie
Thank you ladies for the messages..I know just by posting this on our page how we bring awareness to those around us that had no idea as well.
Thank you Cookie…I try to smile and laught often…good medicine!
I wish you lived closer….. I am in Frisco, TX. My heart goes out to you and I would like to be a friend. Does your family live around you at all?
Anything like Chiro, massage or PT help you? Thinking of you…..