A.S. Face 1892: Gerri Loney
My name is Gerri Loney. I was diagnosed with AS about 7 years ago but my Gastroenterologist suspected that I had it for years before that official diagnosis by a Rhuematologist. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis over 34 years ago and have been told that AS frequently goes hand and hand with the UC. I had J-pouch surgery five years ago where they completely removed the entire colon and used the small intestine to create an internal psuedo bowel to eliminate the need for waste collection outside of the body. Since UC is an autoimmune disorder and there is no long a colon to manifest in, it has relocated to multiple other areas in my body. Predominately in my back as the AS has intensified significantly since the surgery. At 62, I am still working full time at an office job and intend to continue working as long as I can. Not sure what other info I need to share – I have been a single mom for over 33 years of a son and daughter, both children are happily married and I have three grandchildren – 7 year old boy, 2 year old girl and an 8 month old girl. It is very hard on this grandma to not be able to be as physically active as I would like to be with my grandchildren.
Michigan, United States of America
Dear Geri,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie