Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Starting Humira and I am scared

I really hope you are finding those things to live for.

I have been doing this most of my life. Started with what they thought was rheumatic fevers during the summers of my childhood with weird rashes, fevers, aches and pains. Finally was diagnosed with RA as a child. That was followed by Fibro in my 20's and by the time I was 30, they added MS. In a few years, they dropped the MS and I had a definite diagnosis through UCLA Med Center of Systemic Lupus and Ankylosing Spondylitis. The Lupus has affected all most every part of my body at one time or another and several parts at once at times. Between the RA and AS, they just fight to see which can hand out the most misery.

I have had steroids most of my life and almost every Biologic.
I cannot take any of them any more so we are just going for quality of life.

I had heart surgery 4 years ago that didn't heal because of so many steroids. I had spine surgery a year or two ago that didn't heal for the same reason. I have lots of plates, wires and screws in my body.

I need a really big surgery with plates and rods, etc. on both the front and back of my spine plus another surgery for a double scoliosis where my spine is collapsing. The surgeons say that it would take all day and then it would never help my pain so we aren't going there. Besides it probably wouldn't heal.

I love all things outdoors. I am struggling to garden any more. I have seen this coming so I have been planting perennials, rose bushes, flowering shrubs and things that reseed. I hire a teen across the street to pull weeds. Helps me and gives him a quarter in his pocket.

I love being in church and when I can't I get comfortable for live streaming.

I enjoy our children and grandchildren so much and now we have a great grandson to dote on. Thus, the "cookie corner" I have a puzzle on the dining table and oil paints on the kitchen bar. There are books all over the house along with phones, I-pads, computers and any other way I can stay in touch with people.

I use a "highly decorated" walking cane. My grand daughters re-decorated for me over the holidays. I have a walker that is doing me a lot of good right now and I also have a wheel chair. Just use what you have to when you have to.

Standing to cook is my hardest thing. Hubby and I worked together today and made a huge pan of enchiladas. I can scoot around sitting on the walker pretty fast.

Oh, as to how long I have been doing this. I am 71 1/2 I need everyone cheering me on that I can get.

My inflammation has NOT gotten better through the years but you may well be in the generation that sees a cure. I hope so. Even if you don't, there is so much good in this life.
You were so good for me tonight when I read you post. You can help so many people.

Please don't give up! Come back soon. Let me know how you are.

Blessings.