My Journey With Ankylosing Spondylitis
If you have ever struggled with health issues, been diagnosed with a scary health condition, felt hopeless, scared, frustrated and unwell in your body, know that you are not alone. I hope that this article will give you some comfort and inspiration, that you can find opportunities to take control of your health and life again.
From scary diagnosis to first steps
In 2015, after 3 years of back pain and medical procedures, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis, an inflammatory condition that primarily attacks the spine, causing pain, stiffness, fatigue & more.
What a shock this was for me, and at the same time a relief, to finally be able to put a name to all those difficult times. Getting a diagnosis comes with its own challenges, especially mentally. Looking at it as something permanent, that will dictate the rest of my life, what I do and how I feel, it is scary. I also felt anxious and lost; what would my journey look like?
What’s next? This was the first question I wanted to have a clear answer for. I spent countless hours researching, looking for answers.
I went back to the rheumatologist who diagnosed me, with a piece of paper where I had written many questions on it. While I sat there, I didn't get to ask most of them. My mind became blank as I heard some of the following statements “This is a condition for life; it’s about managing the symptoms as the disease progresses; diet doesn’t help with this condition; you should stop running”. Can you guess how I felt? So hopeless and scared.
I followed the doctor’s advice and took strong anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs, which helped for a few months, but left me with digestive issues and nausea. I then asked for other options, and biologics (immune suppressing drugs) were recommended. Was there no other option than strong medication potentially causing severe side effects?
I am not against medication, it has its place and time on people’s journey with chronic conditions, I just didn’t feel like I was there yet. I wanted to find other ways to feel better, to feel normal again.
Lifestyle changes are key
After lots of further research, I found and turned to Functional Medicine to look at the root causes of my condition. Over the years, I went through several alternative treatments, hospital stays, therapies, testing, gut healing and lots of blood, sweat and tears. Deep down, I knew that I had the inner power and strength to get better. I focused on lifestyle changes and slowly started forming new healthy habits to reduce inflammation (via nutrition, movement, and mindfulness) and support my health.
It wasn't an easy road, full of setbacks and I had to stay patient, but in the end, it was just what I needed for recovery.
My learnings
Looking back, I am grateful for this journey, which took a lot of time to realize. This condition doesn’t define me, it doesn’t define how I should live my life. What it does is raise my awareness for the lifestyle choices I want to make. It allows me to be more in tune with my body and to listen to my needs.
Finally, it has given me the greatest gift: the confidence and trust to change career and to become a Functional Health Coach.
It is now my mission to share my learnings and experiences; to help others who are going through difficult health challenges and empower them to take control of their health.
Believe in yourself and in the power of lifestyle changes to manage health conditions and optimize your well-being.
I am here to guide you on your own health journey.