My AxSpA-To-Go Strategy

When I first started taking biologics, first Humira and now Amgevita, multiple people encouraged me by telling me that many people “get back to living a normal life.”

It was something that gave me hope at the time, but in hindsight, I’m not sure how to quantify what my normal life is. As I’ve started feeling better, I have noticed one key part of my life return: I am busy again.

I am more productive when I’m busy and I’m often away from home for over 12 hours, leaving in the morning and returning late at night. When I wasn’t feeling well on a consistent basis, I was nervous and hesitant to venture away from home for too long. I wanted to be close to my self-care supports and comforts.

It has been a gradual return to a busier schedule until recently I realized my schedule is as full as it used to be, and it feels good.

However, I have had to adapt part of my routine to account for AxSpA. I like to call it AxSpA-to-go.

Whenever I think to myself, I’ll be fine I don’t need to bring that thing or the other, I regret leaving it behind. I take a three-tiered approach to ensuring I will thrive while away from my comforts.

Hydration

I strive to stay hydrated. I have some good, insulated drinking vessels to always bring water with me. I also supplement water with electrolytes. Personally, I use Biosteel (currently the peach mango flavour) because it is sugar-free.

I find hydration to be very important to keep my muscles the least stiff as possible and especially important to replenish fluids during flares.

Food

I make and pack my own food, and I bring extra in case I’m away for longer than I anticipated.

I do not rely on others for food. I have come to realize that it is easier to expect food that is not prepared by me to trigger some inflammatory symptoms. That’s not to say it always happens, but I’m adapting a very personalized diet. So, the best way to control what I consume is to prepare it myself.

This includes planning my meals. Typically I take breakfast to go, pack a lunch and snacks, and return home for supper. I also like to have a few meals frozen ready to eat if I end up getting home later than anticipated.

To-go kit

I have converted a shaving kit, or toiletries bag, or whichever term you’d prefer into my AxSpA-to-go kit. It contains an assortment of painkillers, I use locally sourced CBD gummies and Tylenol Arthritis; some Voltaren extra-strength to apply before exercise; some tummy saviors in case I eat something that upsets my digestive system, usually Tums and some probiotics, and an assortment of allergy medications as I have always dealt with seasonal issues which seem to be exacerbated when inflammation flares up.

It’s not a perfect solution. On days I have bad flares or particularly elevated symptoms, I still try and stay close to home because I can’t take everything with me.

However, I have learned to leave with a full bag no matter the circumstance. It helps me get through the day and get back to living my new, post-diagnosis normal.