A.S. Face 1889: Devin Commins
I am Devin Commins, 35 and mother of two courageous boys, both with special needs and special talents. I experienced 22 years of confusing dismissals before seeing a Rheumatologist
Starting with a doctor when I was 12, I saw him for severe right hand pain and cramping. He said, “You have juvenile arthritis. It means that you’ll have a lot of pain when you get older.” Next the knee specialists when I was 16. “You have a form of arthritis. Wear this brace when it hurts.” My low back pain was said to be caused by puberty and menstruation, my neck and shoulder pain were from stress, my headaches, pain and GI issues must have been due to diet, etc. We’ve all been dismissed at some point, if not for far too long. My AS diagnosis came in January 2017 after almost a decade of eating Paleo, 2 decades of yoga, pilates, Tae Chi, longer in dance. These alternative lifestyle choices kept me mobile. But, by the time I saw a Rheumatologist, I needed something to add. I’m about to switch to my 3rd biologic drug. I have learned so much from the online AS support community in this last year. I’m full with gratitude.
Dear Devin,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie