A.S. Face 0683: Jeremy
My name is Jeremy and i have AS. I’m 32 years old and I’m from Scranton, SC. I was diagnosed when i was 25 years old. I went to see my doc. because i was feeling bad all the time and my elbow was bothering me. My doc. referred me to a rheumatologist, and after a few x rays i was told i had hypermobile joints and they were worn out for a person my age. My doc. also said i had AS , something i had never heard of before. I was given some nsaids and some info to read. I didn’t pay much attention to my AS for several years because it was not a problem. Then about two years ago i started having more pain and stiffness than usual. I also started having numbness in hands and arms when i slept. After seeing my doc. I have been put on new medications and i am trying humira right now, but it doesn’t seem to work for me. Next on the list is enbrel. After my AS started causing problems i began reading more and more about it. I realized i had several symptoms for years and didn’t even connect them. My eyes are extremely sensitive to light and i see spots and stars. My body ached when i sat for too long. I had IBS for years and didn’t realize it was all connected…now I’m taking it more seriously because i have a beautiful wife and two little boys that i want to be able to do everything with for the rest of my life. I will not let my disease stop me…..
Jeremy
South Carolinam, United States of America
Love your story, Jeremy! Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!
Stephania/Face #445
Dear Jeremy,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie
Jeremy, you were diagnosed much earlier than me, but your story connected with me. I have three wonderful children and don’t want to let this disease define me either. I have gone through a stage where AS was more a nuisance than a real problem, but I am learning firsthand how it can begin to be a real problem. The worst part for me is that my symptoms have gotten worse since being on Enbrel now for 6 months. Hang in there!