Ginger Waldschmidt
My name is Ginger Waldschmidt and I’m 25 years old. I two beautiful twin girls that are three years old. My husband is in the Army and we are currently stationed in North Carolina. . I was diagnosed with AS in June of 2011 but I have suffered from symptoms since I was 11. When I was younger I always complained of back pain and every doctor my parents took me to would say “oh it’s just normal.” My grandfather has AS and I always knew in the back of my mind that I had it. In 2007, I got iritis and tested positive for the HLA-B 27 gene. They still didn’t do anything. Finally, I found an amazing primary care doctor that sent me to my now rheumatologist who diagnosed me with AS and fibromyalgia. My mobility has changed drastically in the last year and I am still learning to how to accept this new reality. This an ugly disease and there needs to be more awareness.
North Carolina, United States of America
Dear Ginger,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie