Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Hello Again

Hello again everyone! I haven't been around here much in the last few months, maybe because there isn't much new to report, though life has been full.

Physically, I'm about the same as I was before. I have all of the old "injuries" which have never healed, though I have very little pain as long as I follow all of the rules regarding things to avoid.

I'm still active, though. I go to the gym three times a week and work out on the elliptical/stair climber thingie and the recumbent bike. I also do strength training three times a week, plus bicycle and walk.

I've only had one doctor's appointment in the last year, my annual physical. I think after Mayo last spring, I gave up on the medical profession being able to help me.

I didn't get worse when I ended the NSD. Strange thing-when I started the NSD in fall of 2008, I immediately improved and continued to improve. Early on, if I cheated, I felt increased pain the next day. I discontinued the NSD after 15 months with no perceptible change in my symptoms. What's up with that?

Life goes on. I'm taking a college class this spring with my daughter, which has been a lot of fun. I always like to learn something new. She's a full-time student, while I work at the college part-time. She and I sit at the same table and write notes in each other's notebooks and whisper when the professor's back is turned. Some people never grow up and learn to behave themselves!

I'm enjoying doing spiritual direction and participating in my book discussion group. My husband and I go hiking whenever we get a chance. With the kids almost grown up, we sometimes even go camping just the two of us!

My husband didn't get tenure at the university and he worked his last day on Wednesday. This has been really, really hard on him and I'm worried about him. He has sent out tons of resumes, but there are no jobs on the horizon right now.

Last spring, when I got the double whammy of no answers from Mayo and my husband not getting tenure, I started seeing a counselor. When I started with her, I didn't know that she had spent 20 years in medical psychology, working with people who had psychogenic illnesses. After about my 4th session, she told me, "Karen, I don't think your physical problems are psychogenic. I've worked in med psych for 20 years and can practically smell psychogenic disease when a person walks in the room. You have something physical going on, but I don't know what it is." It was helpful to hear that.

Sons #1 and #2 graduate from college in two weeks. One of them is stepping right into an excellent position, while the other is still looking, though he has a couple of part-time jobs he can keep until he finds something better. Son #2 is moving out of the house and renting an apartment with my daughter's fiance, which should be a wonderful arrangement. This is the first of my four children to leave home, but we are both ready for it.

I lurk at kickas now and again, but haven't posted in months. I still think of all of you guys, though.

Karen

Hi Karen

It sounds like you are really busy. Alot of changes and new ones on the horizon. It's good to hear that you are doing well. i hope your husband can find a job, my son just got a job after quite a wait. He starts on Monday and hope he excels. I hope your son can find a job too. The economy is flat but there are still jobs out there. When my son was collecting unemployment we thought it would be a good idea to volunteer but he never did.

Nice to hear from you again!

Karen it's so good to hear from you. Funny, I was just thinking about you today and wondering how you've been. I just say, I'm really envious. I so miss my training. I used to spend 2 hours in the pool every day and 2 hours in the gym every other. Its amazing to me how quickly that was all taken from me. Please enjoy every moment.
College with your daughter, wow what fun that would be. I remember the beginning of the empty nest. It didn't hit me until both were gone. I couldn't wait then all the sudden they were gone and I wanted them back.
Pop in once in a while and let us know your still around.
Cindy

Hi Karen,

Nice to hear from you. Glad to hear you're hiking, camping and all those good things. Hope something decent comes along for your hubby soon.

That's pretty inspiring actually -- sounds like you managed to heal your gut in only 15 months! Maybe it wasn't too bad to start with -- did you ever have noticeable digestive problems before going on the diet?

Hello Karen,

I have been wondering about you, as I also lurk. Glad to hear you are feeling pretty well and busy with your husband, kids and life.

All the best,
Jessie

Hi,

Nice to see you again Karen. Sounds like things are rolling along relatively smoothly for you right now. Hope it remains so.

Colin

good to see you here again, you have been missed.

sounds like you are doing pretty well physically and personally except for david and his job search. my prayers go out to you and he on that.

Hello Karen,

Good to see you post again and thanks for catching us up. Pray your husband can find some work and that your pain stays in remission.

Best to you,

Tim

Hi Karen, Nice to hear from you. Sounds like things are going okay. At least you have a professional validating that something physically is wrong.

Did anyone else find it amusing hat both a kitty(lilkitty) and a mouse(Karen the Mouse) delurked the same day?