Kimberley May
My name is Kimberley May, I’m 30 years old and I’m from Devon, England.
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a “bad back”. I couldn’t ride a bike when I was younger because it would make my back ache. At age 13, after I complained of back, hip and leg pain, I was diagnosed with sciatica. I didn’t realise at the time, but this diagnosis would ruin any chance of further tests or examinations. Everytime I went to the doctor searching for help for the excruciating pain in my hips and legs, I was told it was the sciatica and sent on my way.
I would wake up in the middle of the night in agony, my back seemed to be in spasm, my ribs felt like they were in a vice and my hip hurt so much that I couldn’t lift my leg up. By the morning, I would be more or less ok.
My fiance urged me to see yet another doctor and finally after years of asking for help, I saw a GP that took me seriously.
I was sent for x-rays which showed inflammation in the thoracic and lumbar spine and fusion of the sacroiliac joint…I finally had a diagnosis, a genuine reason for all the pain and exhaustion I was feeling.
Being told that I have ankylosing spondylitis has helped me, it hasn’t eased the physical pain or the debilitating fatigue but it has given me a new outlook on my life, yes I might have to adjust my dreams and expectations but at least I am believed and I’m not left to face the agonising dark nights alone, wondering if I’m going mad or have a terminal illness.
England, United Kingdom
Dear Kimberley,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie