A.S. Face 1640: Melanie

Face 1640

My name is Melanie and I am from Seattle, WA. I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease in 2014, shortly after my 24th birthday. It has been the toughest 2 years since my diagnosis. My doctor and I have yet to come up with a proper treatment plan. I’ve tried Humira, but ended up being allergic. I’ve been on Cimzia for a few months, however, the pain is indifferent. I’ve always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle, but now, getting out of bed is the main struggle. I used to think that I was one of the very few battling an autoimmune disease (or three), but the power of social media has taught me that I’m not alone in this fight.

Washington, United States of America

4 Responses to “A.S. Face 1640: Melanie”

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

Cookie Has A.S. said this on July 7, 2016 at 1:28 pm | Reply
You are welcome
Dr. Ayad

Ayad said this on July 7, 2016 at 6:11 pm | Reply
Melanie your picture is of such a pretty young lady. I hate to hear of someone so young suffering . I am not a dr by any means but so many of As suffers seam to do well on enbrel I tried cimizia and had to wait for the 3 mnts and it never got better. I chose to go back to enbrel and methotrexate with out the methotrexate I m very stiff. Their is also a sulfasalazine which does the same check with your rheumatologist next visit. I am sure they may be trying to be conservative because of your age and concerns of life long use of meds. God bless you and heal you.

debcripps21 said this on July 14, 2016 at 12:53 pm | Reply
Thanks Melanie! I don’t know what I’d do without social networks. I’m pretty home bound because I don’t drive and though undiagnosed,suspect I have AS. Finally got a referral to a Rheumy after 3 years of chasing down a diagnosis. Hopefully answers will be forthcoming soon. My Mom had severe RA and died young because of it. Again thanks for letting us peek into a small window of your life.

Sandi said this on July 16, 2016 at 10:29 pm | Reply

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