Barbara McDonald

My name is Barbara McDonald. I am from Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis about 2 years ago at the age of 40. I am a former x-ray technologist, now Personal Banker. I am unable to do the heavy lifting that is required of an x-ray technologist. Hence the career change.

I have had back pain for many years, giving it no thought because of the heavy lifting I always did. Then one day, my ankles swelled and were red and hot. I want to my family doctor and he did x-rays and a MRI on my ankles. The images did not provide any information except that there was inflammation. I was sent to physical therapy for my ankles for several months and was put on a NSAID. This did not help. I was then put on Prednisone which helped. Because it did I was sent to my Rheumatologist. Unfortunately I had to stop the prednisone because my doc wanted the Rheumatologist to see exactly what was going on. The Rheumatologist ran blood work and a CT of my chest and a thorough family history. When the results came back he had his answer. I am HLA-B27 positive. I was put on Methotrexate and folic acid which helped a little more. Next was Remicade. This helped a little more. I have my ups and downs. I guess what I have learned from this is to take one day at a time and take nothing for granted. Our lives can change quickly. We find out who loves us and who are friends are. These people are to be cherished.

Thanks for listening to my story.

Barb

Wisconsin United States of America

One Response to “Barbara McDonald”

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

Cookie Has A.S. said this on May 15, 2012 at 5:00 am | Reply

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