A.S. Face 1894: Jill Kendall
I’m Jill Kendall. I was finally diagnosed with AS in March 2009 after thinking I was going crazy. I was having horrible back pain and not sleeping, so I went to see my PCP. I explained the fact that my back hurts very badly at night but, when I got up and moved around or took a shower I felt better. She ran blood tests and I got a call later that day that I needed to go see a rheumatologist.
After my first visit with my rheumatologist, she wanted to run some x-rays. After I had the x-rays taken, I got a phone call from the doctor saying she wanted me to come in to discuss the results. It’s never good news when the doctor keeps calling you the same day you have something run. So, I sit with this very sweet, young doctor who tells me I now have a condition that I not only have never heard of, I couldn’t spell it!!
I’m now on my third rheumatologist, who I adore, and am blessed every day of my life. I have good and bad days. All things considered, I am doing fairly well. I am unable to work a full time job due to my limitations placed on me by my rheumatologist.
I am 54 years old and currently living in Tampa, FL. I have been married to my incredibly loving and supportive husband for 33 years. We have been blessed with a daughter and a son. We also have a 3 year old granddaughter who is the light of my life.
Florida, United States of America
Dear Jill,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie