From our home page:
Hello and welcome to KickAS, the best source of support and information for those suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis, the associated spondyloarthropathies, Rheumatoid Arthritis and related ailments.
Our mandate is to provide a safe, supportive place for individuals and their loved ones to share with, and learn from, the experience of others coping with chronic inflammatory arthritis.
From our FAQ page – Rights & Responsiblities
All KickAS members have the right to expect:
a) A safe and supportive environment where sufferers and their loved ones can share with - and learn from - the experiences of others coping with Ankylosing Spondylitis and other rheumatological conditions.
OK folks, here’s the thing, I’m dealing with enough strife and hurt in my life right now and look to KA as a haven. I can come here and get support, no matter what the problem, and give support, no matter who needs it or what the problem is. KA is my lifeline, as it is for so many of us. Because of my personal problems right now, I haven’t been paying as much attention when I’m here, to each and every discussion that’s going on, the way I usually do. Don’t have the brain-power, frankly, so I missed a few things. Until this week….
This week, I saw a post from Wendy saying she was going to leave because someone made her feel that because she doesn’t have AS, she doesn’t belong here (or some such fool thing).
I found out that Kevin has left, due to something said in the discussion about Sue’s feet. So, I go to said discussion and find out that, apparently, we are not all created equal here. Indeed, one member seems to think that KA is only about AS … and I infer from the remark made that this member is under the impression that feet have nothing to do with AS. Not only that, but Sue was put down for talking about something that is causing pain because it might have been self-inflicted … which it wasn’t. And even if it were, when it comes down to it, who the hell cares????!!!! She still has the right to talk about it and get support.
What’s going on around here? We’re all in pain. My pain might not be as bad as another’s, but then that person’s might not be as bad as the next. It’s all pain, whether debilitating in nature or irritating in nature. I can dance flamenco (although my rheumy is expressing concern over the effect on my left foot). Other folk can ski. Too many can do neither. I asked this question yesterday and deleted the post because I thought I was being hyper-sensitive, but after reading the foot thread, I don’t think I was. My remarks were merely misplaced. I’m going to ask my question here:
When did KA become about the severely impacted, AS-specific elite? Last I heard, it was for all of us, regardless of ability, specific Spondy, specific form of arthritis, pain levels, inflammation levels, where the pain and inflammation are, and you name it of the pettiness I’ve read this week.
I suppose next all the ‘pure’ ASers will want their own area, where they won’t have to be bothered with someone who has UsPA or PsA, or, gasp, a whole mish mash of autoimmune diseases. Then we’ll have to give the UsPAs their own area. Oh and people with multiple diagnoses will have to have their own area, because they aren’t ‘pure’ ASers. I guess inside each area, we’ll have to put specific ones. And if you came here initially thinking you had AS, only to find out it was something else ... well, we won't even go there. If you have trouble with your feet, well don’t bother going into the area for ASers with only spinal involvement. They don’t want to be bothered with that. If you respond to the diet, you’d better not post in the area for people who don’t. And don’t even think about posting in the sports area if you only watch sports and don’t participate.
I am, of course, being extremely snide and sarcastic with that last paragraph. Just in case I need to put a qualifier in there for someone who might actually be taking those suggestions seriously.
Come on people, when did this become a competition? My pain is worse than your pain … neener neener neener. My pain’s only in my spine … neener neener neener. My pain is pure AS … neener neener neener. Sounds to me like we’re turning into that other site where they won’t let anyone post about NSD. We’ve all expressed pretty strong opinions about that. Funny how we’re letting it happen here in a different way.
As was pointed out in Sue’s feet thread (sorry Sue to keep bringing it up), if you don’t want to hear what another member has to say, feel free to use the ignore function of KA. If you can’t be kind, don’t respond to someone’s message. We can disagree all we want. We often do. But what’s happened here lately goes so far beyond that as to be disgusting. And hurtful. Ultimately, it hurts all of us, but right now, there are several KA members who have been specifically hurt by it. And that’s just plain wrong.
Just had to put that out there. Let what comes, come.
Love and hugs,
