A.S. Face 0966: Kathleen Chambers
I was diagnosed with AS four years ago. I am a mother of 6 boys. During my last pregnancy my back was in extreme amounts of pain, after I gave birth, the back pain never went away. I spent two years seeing so many doctors who ignored my symptoms and gave me prescriptions and sent me home, with a few of the medicines. I ended up at the emergency room due to negative side effects; finally the dr.s began doing blood work, listening to me and finally found the reason. I now get infusions every 6 weeks and back injections, the pain is hard to live with and be a homemaker too. I swim daily, that is the only time I feel relief in my joints. My husband has been a big help having to really step up and help me through so much. Sometimes I’m in so much pain it’s hard to walk. I try to spend as much quality time as I can with my family, since there are those times the pain dominates my daily activities.im still learning about the disease and am looking forward to learning as much as possible so I can manage AS. I have also been diagnosed with colitis and lupus. I have 6 boys and have lived with A.S. for 4 years now; the pain has been chronic and severe, it’s a daily balance for me to handle my health while raising kids.
California, United States of America
Dear Kathleen,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie
It’s so amazing how strong people with AS really are. I use to think I was just being a baby, but after reading so many posts I am beginning to realize I am not. Having 6 boys and dealing with this disease you are amazing . I can’t even imagine. May you continue to be strong.
Wow, six boys, I found it hard enough with one daughter – Jane Lark, 709