A.S. Face 1107: Jesica Lynn

Hello my name is Jesica Lynn. I am 26 living in Tempe Arizona. I would like to be a face of AS because I think it’s important to be apart of a community that understands me, what I go through and to share my story. I was diagnosed with AS 3 years ago after eight months of sharp, disabling pain starting in my low back and going down my hips, pelvis and right leg. My father who had passed away three years prior to this I believe also had this condition as he was bedridden for ten years. I started physical therapy and medication that helped my pain for about a year. Recently I got a really bad flare up that has lasted three months ago. It has started to effect every aspect of my life including my job (I work at a rehab center in a nursing home) My family relationships, my personal relationships which are basically non existent both friendships and dating. It has also effected my ability to exercise which was a huge part of my life. It affects my sleep, my self worth, my confidence. I am depressed a lot and stress eat. This condition is notorious for making quality of life go way down. I have no health insurance, medication is not working and I’m shelling out hundreds of dollars a month on a chiropractor with little improvement (my job could be hindering my progress) I refuse to stop trying, no matter how depressed I get. I dream of going to physical therapy assistant school so I can help others. I refuse to let that dream go, no matter how difficult. I believe everything happens for a reason and I am determined to not let this beat me or take away the life I want.

Arizona, United States of America

9 Responses to “A.S. Face 1107: Jesica Lynn”

Hello Jesica hope you get your condition under some control very soon,Hang onto your dream and wish you well from Scotland
Face 1015

Drew Gordon said this on December 19, 2013 at 6:30 pm | Reply
Hi Jesica, Your story starts a bit like mine does- about the same age and similar symptoms at the onset. Back then I got 2 pieces of good advice- 1) do a twice-daily stretch routine which I did religiously morning and evening and 2) start swimming for exercise. The stretches I found from an SAA publication and through a chiro and the swimming I did at public parks and the YMCA. They both made a huge diff then. You sound determined to make it better and I think you will. Good luck with your journey! -Tom/Face 739

Tom Jump said this on December 20, 2013 at 11:16 am | Reply
Dear Jesica,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has A.S. said this on December 21, 2013 at 12:52 am | Reply
Hi Jessica. Sorry to hear about your suffering. I worked in nursing homes for years and found that I was able to understand and help so many older adults because I could identify with their suffering. Have you tried Tang Soo Do? This is a form of Korean martial arts that includes “forms” that many people with AS can do. Take care.

Chris

Chris Kelly said this on December 21, 2013 at 8:15 am | Reply
Hello LJ and welcome to our group. It’s large enough that we have lots of faces that can identify and relate well with your struggles. Their advice is from hard-learned lessons, and is mostly very good. But you will need to determine what is applicable to your life, your body, your state of mind. For me, education is key; both of AS and of what I want to do and be. Exercise, treatment, therapy, diet… all those things are hugely important. But how you develop your mind will lead your future employment potential. So if possible, enroll in a school where you can learn to do what you love, and what your body and mind are up for now and down the road. Self esteem will follow, as well as insurance and better treatment. Don’t give up!

Brian said this on December 21, 2013 at 10:25 am | Reply
Thank you everyone for your support! Really I could cry just having people understand me it helps a lot 🙂 i have been doing much better these past few days I am looking forward to the holidays with my family and am remaining hopeful! Happy Holidays to my new fam!

jesica said this on December 23, 2013 at 12:52 am | Reply
- Jessica,
  How has it been for the last 15 months? I havent seen an update and have been praying for your total recovery.
  
  Eddie Hoafrd said this on March 21, 2015 at 8:59 pm | Reply
  - email is eddiehoard at yahoo dot com….
    
    Eddie Hoard said this on March 21, 2015 at 9:00 pm
Jesica,
I am sorry to hear about what your going through I know it has to be tough, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and please keep praying. please feel at anytime to reply if you want to talk.

Albert said this on January 22, 2016 at 12:20 am | Reply

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