Mia Leighton
Hi my name is Mia Leighton and I’m 47 yrs old, married with 3 children from Bakersfield, CA. & was DX’d with AS in 2009 after many years of lower back, hip, neck, shoulder (I had frozen shoulder on both shoulders) and foot pain, plus chronic migraines. I am so grateful to have found my wonderful PCP that finally listened to me after many years of doctors just dismissing my pain to it being in my head like so many of us. She finally referred me to a Rheumatologist (even after she didn’t find anything) who DX’d me with this devastating disease that I couldn’t pronounce and would change my life forever. I went home with pamphlets in total shock not knowing what to think and just cried for days. On top of the AS I was DX’d with Fibromyalgia, 7 herniated disks and degenerative disk disease. It was a lot to take in within a year but I am dealing with it day by day the best I can. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family and support system to pick up the pieces when I fall apart at times. I’ve since had to go on full disability due to all of my diseases and have recently found out my youngest daughter has JIA and possibly AS, a mothers worst nightmare. But we will fight like girls and never give up!!! 💙
California, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Mia,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie