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Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis before 30

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EmilyJP

06/16/2020 at 4:33 PM

EmilyJP

Last activity on 11/03/2023 at 1:19 PM

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11 comments posted | 9 in the Ankylosing spondylitis Forum

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Hi everyone, I just stumbled across this site when doing research on AS. I've just been diagnosed after a few years of severe back pain and neck pain and I'm kind of reeling. I'm relieved to finally know what this is, but I'm also freaking out. I just feel too young to have have this, I'm 25. After looking into it a bit I know people are diagnosed commonly from late teenage years to their 50's, but Idk, I'm having a hard time accepting it. I guess it's the shock.

When was everyone diagnosed? Do you have any advice on how to deal with this now? I'm trying to figure out what's going to need to change in my life to get me through this.

Thanks!
Emily

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Courtney_J

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06/16/2020 at 4:45 PM

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Courtney_J

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Last activity on 08/08/2022 at 11:09 AM

Joined in 2020

1,340 comments posted | 23 in the Ankylosing spondylitis Forum

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@EmilyJP Hello EmilyJP, thank you for starting this discussion. Being diagnosed with a chronic condition can certainly be life-changing. Let me tag some members who can maybe share on this subject.

Hi everyone, how are you today? At what age were you diagnosed with AS? Were you diagnosed earlier or later in life? How did you cope with the diagnosis? Is there anything Emily should know about AS? Feel free to share here!
@Kmartin143‍ @pnj0113‍ @Shadora‍ @Dyllan‍ @Justmichelle91466‍ @Jodyolson69‍ @Jillybug‍ @toniboroni123‍ @Wiederich‍ @DiannePunky‍ @bhoney4829‍ @Kaykayloveee‍ @jford76‍ @Claracaïl‍ @joslynbauer‍ @Philippa‍

Take care,
Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity US

Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis before 30 https://www.carenity.us/forum/ankylosing-spondylitis/living-with-ankylosing-spondylitis/just-diagnosed-2061 2020-06-16 16:45:44

SouthernBelle

07/21/2020 at 6:41 PM

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SouthernBelle

Last activity on 07/21/2020 at 6:27 PM

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7 comments posted | 6 in the Ankylosing spondylitis Forum

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@Courtney_J @EmilyJP Wow you poor thing, I can't imagine dealing with AS so young. I was diagnosed well into my 40s. I guess I'd tell you to really lean into your support system or make sure that you have one. Make sure your family and friends are there for you and ready to support you, because AS is not fun. You may be forced to slow down a bit on the social things, or you'll have to change the way you do things. Instead of running a marathon, maybe take up something that's easier on your back like yoga. Maybe instead of going to the club, have a wine night with your girlfriends at home. Your life doesn't have to stop because of your AS, especially when you're so young, you just have to know your limits and figure out how to adapt. You can get through this!

Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis before 30 https://www.carenity.us/forum/ankylosing-spondylitis/living-with-ankylosing-spondylitis/just-diagnosed-2061 2020-07-21 18:41:45

EmilyJP

07/23/2020 at 6:40 PM

EmilyJP

Last activity on 11/03/2023 at 1:19 PM

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11 comments posted | 9 in the Ankylosing spondylitis Forum

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@SouthernBelle Thank you for your kind words and advice. I'll definitely have to change some things, but like you said, I guess my life doesn't have to "end" :)

Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis before 30 https://www.carenity.us/forum/ankylosing-spondylitis/living-with-ankylosing-spondylitis/just-diagnosed-2061 2020-07-23 18:40:55

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CDKennedy

Edited on 05/22/2022 at 10:09 PM

I am in the severe range now at 74 yrs old. I have found thru trial and error and getting older with SA, I sleep on my back because I can hardly turn to my side now. I also take 10 mg Melatonin. I didn't know it came in 20 mg! (Thanks ladyslipper 67) What has really help with my back pain, when in bed, is a large memory foam wedge. The large end is under my knees and my legs go down to the small end. It doesn't move when I sleep but then again I am not turning over back and forth. This takes the pressure off my back. I hope this helps someone.

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CDKennedy

Edited on 05/22/2022 at 10:09 PM

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