Oh, I don't know that "acceptance" is the answer. I'm in my 50s, and I think that I will continue to battle this disease until I die. I have found that being in good shape greatly helps to offset the effects of AS. I was much more distressed when I was 70 pounds heavier. Losing the excess weight, cycling, hiking, and weightlifting has greatly improved the quality of my life. The trick is to find low-impact activities and to not overly stress yourself.

--Greg

AS symptoms started 1991. Official dx in 2006 with HLA-B27+, fused SIJ, bone spurs in back, extreme rib/hip pain, and other family with SpA. Started Enbrel in 2006 with good results, but stopped in 2010 due to nerve damage (MS) from it. Getting good results with no-starch diet since 2011.