Patricia
My name is Patricia and I’m 37 years old. I’ve had back pain and hip pain since my teens. I was told it was from over exercising, from stress, from a car crash I had when I was 23, from not exercising enough, from the weather, it was all in my head…you name it. I’ve lost count of the times I was in ER crying in pain and unable to move. This year a MRI scan of my back showed impressive degenerative changes throughout my spine. The rheumatologist was shocked with the degeneration and changes I have all over my back at such a young age. I’m still on NSAIDs and I’m waiting to see what’s next for me. At least now I know it’s not the weather and I can prove it’s not a in my head…it is real. To all of you out there – fight for a diagnosis and for help! If you’re in pain you need someone to believe you and to help you. Don’t give up!
England, United Kingdom, Europe
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Patricia,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie