A.S. Face 2135: Sara Bjoin
My name is Sara Bjoin and I was diagnosed with AS in 2018. This group has been an incredible blessing for me since I was officially diagnosed. I have had symptoms for almost ten years now. About 5 years ago I had what I thought was an answer. My doctor at the time had done an xray and sent me to a neurologist who had diagnosed me with sway back and slight deterioration. Numbness in my arms upon awakening and having an increasingly hard time standing when I wake up over the next 5 years along with horrible back and hip pain made me seek different medical advice after moving. My new doctor was was quick to do a new xray where sclerosis was found in my hips, bone spurs were found clear down my spine, and fusion was found at my s1. I was immediately recommended to a wonderful rheumatologist who explained to me what AS is, what bamboo spine is, and she started me on humera right away. I’ve also been on prednisone which had helped a bit with the bone spurs in my feet. But due to job changes my insurance has lapsed and now I have been off of all meds for a month and all symptoms are back full force. I never once thought any of this could happen to me. I am a mother of 3 and this could not be any more of a sad challenge.
Oregon, United States of America
Dear Sara,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie
I prayed for you.
Welcome Sara ! A.S. Is a challenge indeed.
At least you figured out what you’re dealing with.
I hope have you support in family/friends.
I know if you ever need a shoulder or good
people to lean on…..you will always have your
A.S. family to reach out to and count on
for support.
Blessings to you