A.S. Face 2219: Emily

My name is Emily. I have had pain since I can remember. As a kid I would complain and be dismissed as trying to get attention. In my teens I accepted my pain as something I would deal with forever. By my mid 20s I knew I needed help, I saw a doctor and was diagnosed with AS. I was young. I wanted to try to deal with it through diet and exercise and all those other things I was told would help. Now I am 36 and starting my first biologic medicine next week. As a massage therapist, I cannot “deal” anymore. I accept I need intervention. My x-rays and bloodwork show I need intervention. Does this make me feel like I failed my body? Yes. Do I know that’s unreasonable? Yes! Will I keep trying to better my life and manage my symptoms? Absolutely! I look “normal”. I am everyone, yet I’m a little broken. But that’s okay. I was born tough enough to face to this. My pain is there though it is invisible.

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

Cookie Has A.S. said this on June 1, 2022 at 8:12 pm | Reply

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