G.V.
All seemed normal as I was growing up. When I reached my twenties it was first IBS, then, during a pregnancy, severe SI joint pain set in. After that, it was plantar fascitis with very large calcineal heel spurs. I was also dealing with some elbow and knee pain. I asked my doctor if all these things could tie together and she laughed at me.
The pain in the feet would not stop so I was sent to orthopedics. By this point many years had gone by. They could not calm it down either so they ran some tests. The doctor got serious and said I would need to go to rheumatology. The rheumatologist handed me a piece of paper naming the types of arthritis and circled “spondlyoarthritis”. He told me to take a pill every day and see him in a year. Thus was my journey. Joint by joint, this disease tries to take the fun out of my life.
In my mid 50’s I started playing with my diet. I gave up wheat and sugar. I was able to start walking, and then hiking. I even hiked Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental U.S. I was the slowest one on the mountain, but I got it done.
I’ve been dealing with this disease for more than thirty years now with daily pain and struggle and with doctors over the years who first disregarded it because I was a woman and now disregard it because I am too old. I am thankful for a helpful husband. God has been good to me in so many ways. I have learned compassion for others who suffer. And I will continue to seek things that bring joy as long as I am able.
California, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear GV,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie