Seb, Sorry to hear about your pain.
When I could not breathe at night and the pain seemed unbearable, a dear family member said to me "It's not about you." This message brings a tear to my eye when I type it. For me, AS gave more than It took away.
This dis ease can be overcome. Willpower is the least effective tool. Some would call on faith. This is not the way for me. I trust in the self when I am not in fear. That is when to fake it. Those around me can love me just the way I am if they chose. If not, they can fake it.

Do you like biology?