Mike Browning
Hi there! My name is Mike Browning, I am 44 years old, and, unknowingly, have had symptoms of A.S. since my early high school days. I was a soccer player, wrestler,bmx’er, surfer, skateboarder, skier… and I abused my body on a regular basis. Feeling pains at 16 and 17 that made me wonder if there was a bigger problem than just aches and pains from wiping out on a steel half pipe or getting thrown over the falls on big wave? Often limping around the house, finding it difficult to tie my own shoes at times. Joined the USMC at 19, and off to boot camp…only to be medically discharged for a mis-diagnosed chronic hamstring strain. Fast forward through 16 years of not knowing wtf was going on, was finally diagnosed with AS by a chiropractor with a keen eye and an x-ray at 35yrs old. I’ve always been the stubborn type, so never considered any of the meds that I see many speak of on AS forums…other than Aleve when I absolutely needed it. My fusion seems to be slow and focused as it moves up my spine into my shoulders and neck…the pain sucks…but, could be worse! I have taken up fishing and guitar in my 40’s to keep the peace in my psyche, and it seems to be working for me for now, ready to try paddle boarding just to catch a wave again! Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Don’t give up on your passions, just adapt the best you can! Blah, blah, blah, I’ve barely scratched the surface of what I’ve been thru with AS, but if anyone dealing with this has any questions, as I did…feel free to message me! Mikebro1@gmail.com
Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie