Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Talking to friends about AS symptoms/implications

I've found that people seem to understand and accept it more if I just say that I have an autoimmune disease that effects the tendons and ligaments, including the spine. Then only if they ask do I tell them more...that way they are more receptive to anything I tell them. If I say arthritis of any kind, it seems to be casually and immediately dismissed.

The thing that's really spooking me right now is that I never know when I get up each day if it's going to be a good day or a baaaaad day... The uncertainty is frustrating. But I'm just taking advantage of the good ones, and the bad ones too, as much as I can. Today was a good day!!

Best wishes,
~Raina

Kat, aloha

i refuse to allow this to be called a 'sickness'...it's an affliction

sick implies well...and well there may be ups and downs and episodic periods
of less and more but there is no 'all better' stage to contrast with the 'sick' stage.

and about looking sick...doesn't the stoopdness and the limp give 'em a clue?

pu liki mau
aB

I'm with you, Ben. I don't generally call it a sickness, either. Other people do, however, with the "You don't look sick" line.

Warm hugs,