A.S. Face 0599: Kathryn Douglas

My name is Kathryn, and I am a fourth year Biology major at the University of British Columbia. I hope to start working towards my Masters degree in Neurobiology next year. I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

After 7 years of joint pain and fatigue, an X-ray in 2009 showed erosion of my SI joints, and I was diagnosed with AS at age 19. I am currently taking celebrex and Humira (which has recently given me Tumid Lupus – you can see a few red spots on my hand in the picture) to manage my symptoms

Before my diagnosis, I had been a competitive freestyle skier, avid downhill mountain biker, novice rock climber and overall adrenaline junkie. The biggest adjustment with this disease was quitting those sports and keeping myself on the ground and out of the sky. I have trouble standing, walking or sitting for a long time, and using my hands for writing, buttons, opening jars, etc. These days, I enjoy hiking and camping and hope to get into cross-country skiing this winter.

-Kathryn Douglas

British Columbia, Canada

5 Responses to “A.S. Face 0599: Kathryn Douglas”

Welcome to the fight Kathryn, and thank you for sharing your life with us. I hope that an early diagnosis will mean that treatment is very effective for you. Much of the hope for many of us is that early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes for generations to come. Live strong! You have so much to give and live for. Brian, Face 503

Brian said this on September 9, 2012 at 9:15 pm | Reply
- Well Said Brian!! Welcome Kathryn 🙂 Stay strong. -Helgi #461
  
  Helgi Spencer Olafson said this on September 10, 2012 at 5:31 am | Reply
HI Kathryn! Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational AS story with us. I’m so happy that you found this wonderful website, where there are so many kind, caring, & supportive people. I can definitely relate to a lot of the things you shared. We have all sadly, had to give up many things we loved to do, but it’s so great that Humira has helped you to be able to go hiking & camping again, & hopefully, you’ll be cross-country skiing this coming winter. I’m really sorry that the Humira has given you timid lupus. I hope that you can be treated for that. It’s really inspiring, that you haven’t let AS take over your life, & you are fighting back. I really appreciate you sharing your story, & I hope you stay positive & hopeful. Stay strong & stand tall!!! 🙂 -Lisa #535

pinkspinel said this on September 10, 2012 at 12:55 am | Reply
Dear Kathryn,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has A.S. said this on September 11, 2012 at 10:36 am | Reply
Thanks for sharing your story! I have just been diagnosed with AS and live in the Vancouver area, is there a support group you know of?
Cheers,
Anita Percell

Anita Percell said this on January 13, 2013 at 7:06 pm | Reply

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