Kelly Arend
I was diagnosed on my 40th birthday, back in 2014. I was having severe lower back pain. I went to the Dr, and she told me it was just a pulled muscle. I was put on muscle relaxers, and some pain pills. It went away for a bit. When the pain returned, I went back to the Dr, and was given the same diagnoses. I decide to try a chiropractor. Made a appointment with him. After a few visits, he said to me that he thinks I may have a condition called AS, due to the curvature of my upper back, and the fact that he couldn’t get me to stand up straight. So I made a appointment with a Rheumatologist, and she confirmed the chiropractors diagnoses. I was put on Humira, then had to change insurance companies, so had to change meds to Embral. Was allergic to Embral, and fought to get put back on Humira. It seems to be working, so far.
I am a dad to two great kids, and try to stay as active as I possibly can….most days that is. I try to not let this beat me down. My only concern is that my 18 year old son, was diagnosed with Bursitis, and his doctor isn’t worried about the fact that I have AS.
Wisconsin, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie