Kate Flore
My name is Kate Flore, I live in Huntington, New York and I am 47 years old. I was diagnosed with AS late last year when I had a very painful flare up after having a hysterectomy in October. Initially I attributed my discomfort to post-surgical pain and hormonal changes. In mid-November, my pain had become much worse and I started having shortness of breath. I finally went to my doctor. I was referred on to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with AS. I am positive for the gene mutation HLA-B27 and changes to my spine and sacroiliac joint were noted on my x-rays. Since my initial diagnosis, the flare up ended and I am currently only taking naproxen sodium to control my pain. I have daily pain in my shoulders and sporadic pain in other joints in my body including hips, knees and sternum.
New York, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Kate,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie