A.S. Face 0118: Lesley Popovich
I was just diagnosed with AS this year, after suffering for 12 years with no name to put to this crippling disease. I am 26 years old. It feels good to finally know that it’s NOT all in my head, and that I am NOT alone. It’s tough to know that this will be a life-long struggle, but I try to continue doing the things I love, like riding horses, until I am no longer physically able to climb in the saddle…
- Lesley Popovich
British Columbia, Canada
Dear Lesley,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I hope that you will use our knowlegde to help you live a better quality of life than most of us (old timers) had. Educate. Ask questions. Demand Answers. Advocate for yourself. We are here if you need us.
Sincerely Cookie
Thank you for sharing your story! I am 29 and was just diagnosed last week, so I can totally relate to that sense of relief. Keep up that positive attitude!
Thanks for sharing Lesley, love the pic of you and your horse. My horses definitely make things less horrible… the daily struggle is eased by spending time with them.
Lesley, I am so glad that you are continuing to do things, despite AS! I am glad you can ride horses- they are truly wonderful creatures! You will be in my thoughts and prayers, I hope you can continue riding always!
Lesley,
Never give up. Keep riding your horses and spending as much time with them as possible. Horses were what got my aunt out of a wheelchair from years of suffering from Juvenile RA. I am now learning to ride a horse after having my neck fused last year.