Darcie Birge
I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 13, I had swollen fingers and my knees hurt a lot, I was told to take 1 aspirin a day so I did and it didn’t help, so as years passes I was ok with it as it wasn’t that bad I could handle a little minor pain here and there. When I was in my mid 20’s I started having severe back pain went to several different doctors and no diagnosis until I was referred to a rheumatologist who with 1 blood test determined I had AS so the pain meds came into play and NSAIDs which didn’t help much I have been on Remicade which led to an allergic reaction my second time going on it first time I had no problems I have tried Enbrel,Humira,Rituxan, now I am on Cimzia and 2 different strong narcotics plus few other things I take about 16 pills a day my hips are bad and so are my knees they are talking replacement in a couple years and I am only 42 unemployed cause of this disease and on my 4th try to get my disability.. Of course there is a lot more,I could go on forever on everything I have been through but I would be here for a few hours… lol
Well that’s my basic story.
Thank you for the Fb site I really think it helps knowing in not alone..
Darcie Birge
Indiana, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Darcie,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie