Rick Mansfield
Hi, My name is Rick Mansfield, I am 35, I live in Launceston, Tasmania and I have AS. I have had the disease since I was 19, but I was only diagnosed with AS around 5 years ago after a lot of years of doctor shuffling to find one that knew what they were talking about. I went through all the usual treatments: NSAIDs, cortico steroids, gold injections, paracetamol/codeine before finally getting on Infliximab and getting some semblance of a life back. I still have pain, nut it is a lot less pronounced than is was. I have “bamboo spine” and most of my spine is fused into a stooped posture, but I have a better quality of life now, on Infliximab than I have done in the past 15 years. I have 4 children aged 13-19, and I am getting more quality time with them now my pain is reduced, and I am able to do more with them.
Rick
Tasmania
Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie