Steve, that's kind of how I feel about it. The way I see it, I was in pain and living with active AS for over a decade by the time I was diagnosed. I took dance classes, worked full time, took part in theatre and singing. The only thing that fell by the wayside was keeping up my house (and I wondered why I didn't have the energy for that!
). The only difference post-dx was that I now had a name for it, but I saw no reason to stop doing the things I love. And I added a few things too ('cause pacing myself does not come easy ... or I'm a sucker for punishment ... not sure which
). There are periods when I pay for it; sometimes, it knocks me off my feet, but I will not stop. I know what happens when I stop. I become sore and pain-filled, apathetic and depressed. I've tried living without dance and theatre. It's not pretty in any way. For anybody. But I need the benefits that my job provides, so I just keep going with everything and trust I won't drown at the end of the day.
Many hugs,
