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Misunderstood, But At Lease We Have Each Other

It’s hard to know where to start.

I have had back problems since my late teens. I ended up having a ruptured disc, thanks to a chiropractor and had back surgery in my 30’s.

I was then diagnosed with DDD. I continued having problems and 12 years ago had another back surgery.

Change to "Issues after back surgery

This time I had a fusion with cage. The surgery was a success but aftercare wasn’t.

The drain tube had been pulled too soon and when I started leaking fluid from my incision, site the Dr sewed it shut.

This caused the fluid to create a softball size hole in my back and began a lifetime of chronic pain.

Being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis

I didn’t know I had ankylosing spondylitis until about a year ago, or less, I saw it on a report. I asked my pain specialist if I had it and he said yes.

Then, on my next visit, my PA asked and he said no. So who knows for sure?

All I know is I relate to all the pain, fatigue, ribs feeling broken, joints weak and painful and easily injured, and all the rest.

I’ve had tons of times I was ready to call it quits. I have good days and horribly bad days.

At least we have each other

I have very little understanding from my grown children but tons of support from my 83-year-old mom and my husband.

I try herbals and alternatives to help ease the pain and still have to take pain meds daily.

AS stinks and takes your life, making you create a new one.

Where would we be without the support of each other? We know that we understand what each one of us is going through.

I pray better and safer relief is found as I fear my oldest son has it.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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