Have you been experiencing frequent pain in your back, hips, and other areas since your 20s or 30s? When you wake up in the morning, your body feels stiff and stiff, and you can't even bend over for a while? You might think that this is just a normal backache, something that happens when you sleep wrong. But if these symptoms persist, it could be the beginning of a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Today, we're talking about this disease and the experiences of two real people who have changed their lives by living with it.
Simply put, what is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?
This is also a type of arthritis. But in this case, it mainly affects the joints of our spine . Simply put, this disease causes the joints between the vertebrae of the spine to swell. Over time, this swelling causes new bone to form, and the vertebrae can fuse together. This can reduce the flexibility of the spine and cause a stooped posture. This pain is not limited to the spine, but can also affect areas such as the hips, shoulders, ribs, and heels.
This is caused by an autoimmune disease , which means that the immune system, which is supposed to protect our body, mistakenly attacks our own healthy cells, in this case the joints.
Okay, now let's look at the stories of Lovaine and Deverell, who faced life with this disease.
Loven's story: From pain to a new career
Loven was diagnosed in her 30s. But the symptoms began earlier, after she gave birth to her first child. She started with lower back pain, and gradually became unable to walk. Eventually, she had to use a cane to walk.
She was diagnosed with AS at the age of 31, after the pain spread to her upper back. Her blood test also showed a positive gene (HLA-B27) . This gene is found in almost everyone with AS.
"It was a real relief when I got a name for my illness. At least I knew what was happening to my body," says Loven.
But the story didn't end there. By her late 30s, the pain had become unbearable. She had to take heavy painkillers and quit her job. Her rheumatologist sent her for an X-ray. It was there that she learned that much of the cartilage in her right hip had worn away, and the cartilage in her left hip had completely disappeared.
Life-changing surgery
At age 39, she had to have a hip replacement surgery on her left hip. Her surgeon said it was the worst inflammation he had ever seen.
"When I woke up after the operation, something amazing happened. The unbearable pain was gone . It changed my life. I was depressed for 4-5 years. But after the operation, everything changed."
The rehabilitation period was not easy. She had to learn to walk again and strengthen her muscles. She had to do physical therapy three days a week for seven months. A year later, her right hip joint had to be replaced.
Over time, she came to terms with the fact that she was a woman living with two artificial hips. She began reading about how to manage pain and live with the disease. She focused on the things she could control. That meant things like diet, exercise, and positive thinking . Today, she is a health counselor who helps people with similar illnesses.
Deverell's Story: The Pain That Even Doctors Didn't Believe
Deverell was 22 when these symptoms began. He was unable to do even simple things like climb stairs or lift a carton of milk. When he told his doctor about the intense pain and inflammation coming from inside his body, the doctor didn't take it seriously.
"When that happens, you lose confidence in yourself. I know my body feels different, but I had to listen to what my doctor said."
After two years, with no relief from any medication, the doctor told him, "This is all in your head, there's nothing I can do."
Diagnosis found without giving up
But Deverell didn't give up. He saw another doctor. He saw several doctors who specialized in cancer, arthritis, and gastrointestinal diseases. Some tests suggested a disease like muscular dystrophy, but nothing definitive could be found.
During this time, his social life completely stopped. He joined an online support group and shared his experiences. It was there that someone advised him to get tested (HLA-B27) .
When the test came back positive in 2010, Deverell was overjoyed. He had finally found the answer to the question he had been struggling with for four years. But his joy was short-lived. His doctor told him there was no cure and that it was a serious condition.
Changing the way you look at pain
After that story, Deverell made a surprising decision. He sold everything he had and moved to Cape Town, South Africa. There he spent his time happily, looking at the sea, the mountains, and watching people smile. Instead of feeling like he was dying, he began to feel like his mind and body were merging .
There he started doing Hot Yoga again. The yoga exercises in a heated room reduced his pain and strengthened his back. He stopped using the word 'pain'. Instead, he called it 'discomfort'.
"You are on a spectrum of pain. You can move from discomfort to comfort."
Today, Deveral is a Hot Yoga instructor. He doesn't take any medication. His only treatment is yoga and a nutritious diet.
| Feature | The world's experience | Deverell's experience |
|---|---|---|
| Early symptoms | Back and hip pain, difficulty walking. | Body weakness, difficulty climbing stairs, severe pain and inflammation. |
| Diagnosis | I was diagnosed shortly after the onset of symptoms, at the age of 31. | After a long battle of 4 years, amidst the disbelief of doctors, I was diagnosed. |
| The main challenge | Unbearable physical pain and joint destruction. | Doctors not trusting themselves and falling into depression. |
| What changed my life | Hip replacement surgery and positive thinking. | Changing the environment, Hot Yoga, and changing the way you perceive pain. |
| What's currently following | Medication (TNF-inhibitor), diet, light exercise, and counseling. | Intense yoga exercises, diet control (no medications). |
What can we learn from these two stories?
Talk to yourself about your body.
As Deverell's story shows, even doctors can be wrong sometimes. If you have confidence in what your body is feeling, don't be afraid to talk about it. Don't give up until you get an answer. You are your own best friend .
Mentality is a powerful thing.
Both Loven and Deverell changed the way they viewed pain. They realized that pain is not the end of life, but that it can be lived with and managed. Thinking positively is like winning half the battle.
There is no one solution that works for everyone.
Surgery and medication helped Loven. Yoga and lifestyle changes helped Deverell. So if you have this condition, it's important to talk to your doctor and find the treatment and lifestyle that's right for you.
Diet and exercise
Both of them took care of their diet. Lowen says that limiting sugar, flour, and certain types of meat can help reduce pain and swelling. Also, doing low-impact exercises, such as walking and yoga, on a daily basis can help keep the spine strong and flexible.
"The biggest battle you have when dealing with your chronic pain is getting your mind to a place where you can tolerate the pain and stress." - Loven
If you have any of these symptoms, please do not ignore them. See a qualified doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the less damage to your joints you can control.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an arthritis condition that affects the spine, which can start at a young age. Don't ignore frequent back pain and morning stiffness.
- Listen to your body. If you are unsure about a symptom, seek medical advice until you get a definitive answer.
- Although there is no specific cure for this disease, pain can be controlled and a good life can be lived through medication, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
- Your mental attitude towards pain is very important. Positive thinking and stress management can increase your ability to tolerate pain.
- Find what works best for you. While medication works well for some people, yoga or other exercise methods may be more effective for others. Talk to your doctor and develop a plan that works for you.
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