Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group I'm so freaken sad!

You can talk with us, Leanne. Wow, you really are one of the very early members of KA!

I'm so sorry to hear that your 17 y/o son has AS. I'm sure it must be heartbreaking for you and no wonder you are sooo sad. You must be feeling pretty overwhelmed, helping to care for your elderly Mom and with a husband and now a son with AS - that is an awful lot. More than life insurance, I hope your son has health insurance?

While nothing might seem positive today, take heart that the treatment options for AS have improved in leaps and bounds... to the point that your son is likely to live a very good life. Really. I was struck with AS at 18, and spent the next 25 yrs in pretty bad pain. Somehow I made it through those years. Over 11 yrs ago now, I started treatment on Remicade and this wonderful medication has put me in near remission. Best 11 yrs I've known since I was 18!!!

Most important for you to know, is that research suggests that people who start on a biologic very soon after disease onset have an increased likelihood of the med putting their disease into remission.

Take a deep breath, give yourself time, and give your son time to get used to this... be kind to yourselves. The thing I've found is that every challenge life throws at us really does make us stronger. I imagine you probably don't want to need to be any stronger than you already are... but you guys can do this. You will get through this and your son will find his way though the treatment maze of options... and you will all find ways to have fun and enjoy life despite this rotten diagnosis.

Don't lose sight of taking very good care of yourself ... that will help give you the strength to lend to your family when they need it at times.

Leanne- I remember you!
I allow myself time to grieve the illness. I can't always have my chin up, I am unable to give a smile every day to everyone. but After I have dealt with the pain of losing my health and being in such pain; I move on to what can be done and the best way to stay as active as I can!

The world has not given me, my sense of worth or importance; the world can not take it away.


Lon

Hey Leanne,

If your son ever needs someone to talk to, I'd be more than happy to try my best to help him. I was around the same age as him (15-17) when I first developed AS and just turned 23 now. Hope you're feeling ok.

Seb

Leanne,
If your son has A.S, try to stay positive. There's lots of newer treatments now, compared to the late 80's when I was first diagnosed. You will both get through it. I have with fantastic help from my family, just like yourself helping your son.

Leanne

I have a mother who had AS. My AS manifested severely at 14. Pain was unbearable by 17. I never lost hope, never blamed family or genetics. I have what would be described as classic AS.

My life despite that is great.

Better for your son is that there are so many more options for him then there were for me 35 years ago. He has hope. There are ways to reduce pain and inflammation, but even if you don't find the right balance for him quickly he can and will thrive. I am not particularly tough, wise or tenacious but I turned my battle with AS into a great life. He can too.Be brave for him and with him. There is no greater gift for an AS sufferer than a courageous parent. I know. I was blessed with one

I am so sorry. Our 19 year old grandson was diagnosed in December. He had a tough time for a couple of months until they got a treatment routine worked out. He is on Enbrel like his dad and is doing well. He is back in school, working and living the now 20 year old life.

I understand how devastating it is to see your child suffer.
Hopefully the drs can get a treatment figured out soon.

Hugs.
Possi