A.S. Face 1504: Nicole Maher

I began to experience chronic pain while in college at The Ohio State University. I found myself unable to participate in the sports I once loved, and sometimes unable to walk to class, due to back, hip, and knee pain. After years of being told it was âall in my head,â I made a promise to myself. I would not stop until I found an answer to why my body felt much older than it was. I knew this was not normal, and the joint swelling was evidence it was not “all in my head.” After months of testing and visits to multiple specialists, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in November 2014 at the age of 23. I hope that with treatment, I will one day be able to live pain-free.

Florida, United States of America
-Nicole Maher

3 Responses to “A.S. Face 1504: Nicole Maher”

Dear Nicole,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has A.S. said this on April 9, 2015 at 5:40 pm | Reply
Nicole,

Be diligent about being fully informed about all your options for treatment. This is an autoimmune disease and autoimmune diseases are getting more and more attention because there is such an explosion of people getting them. With increased attention medical practitioners are coming up with treatment protocols that are safer, less expensive, and in many cases more effective than the pharmaceutical options.

Hope that whatever you find brings you the relief your looking for.

Andy Satalich said this on April 20, 2015 at 12:45 pm | Reply
Your story sounds like my daughter. She was 18 first year at college. Had to have both hips replace when they found out what was wrong. My prayers are with you.

laura said this on April 20, 2015 at 3:48 pm | Reply

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