I have had issues and pain in my back and left SI joint since I was in High School. My dad and my brother were both diagnosed with AS, but I wasn't because I'm a girl, even tho I am HLAB27+. Stormy, that is interesting because If I would have had that diagnosis the first time I was in the hospital with the back pain, my brother and I both would have had the diagnosis as teens. I was finally given a diagnosis and proper treatment this spring. (oh what a long trip it has been!)
I had 3 children over the years, and I too felt great while pregnant with significant reduction in pain (tho those low back-back aches remained). I delivered them all fine, but labor was back focused and long, but you know, they were all worth it! So far my boys are fairly healthy (one is hearing impaired and has gout at 24!) but what a joy to have them and now a grandson. I'm glad I'm here, even tho I have now been diagnosed and the symptoms have increased lately and knowing what I know now, I wouldn't have changed my mind for anything.
One thing I think about that I want to share with you is that even tho these diseases have been with our families for so long, the understanding and treatments have improved greatly. My dad died from lung complications and was fused in upper back/neck when he was 39. Imagine. That was 1971. My brother and I both struggle with various issues but are functional and tho not very flexible, we have fairly normal lives. I can only hope that care, treatment and understanding will increase with time.
Hope this helps!
