Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Give it Up

How many of you found it hard to give up the little things that used to be so easy. Tell us about them. I had one which was hard for me. I used to repair all my cars myself. Loved the idea I could and didn't mind doing it. As my AS progressed I found it harder and harder to do the little things. Change spark plugs, oil, starter, ect. What where the little things you gave up and how did you deal with them.
P.S. I dealt with mine by finally letting someone else do it for me. I have a great family that really helps.

Rickey
there's so many things. Decorating in the house, hanging wallpaper and painting doors, I am lucky enough to have a great pal, who will come round and hang the paper, I manage some of it myself, but I have had to accept that fact that I need help. My biggest dissapointment is that I have had to give up my Badminton, It's nothing to do with the dress code you see in my picture, I just can't manage to play anymore, but I do still amnage to coach a bit, and that does offer a great sense of acheivment. Being able to put something back into the sport I played for so many years is almost as good as playing myself.

Stay Well
Paul


A friend is someone who reaches for your hand. And touches your heart.

Atta a boy Paul. Good coache are always need.

Sounds crazy but bringing in the groceries from the car. I have to either do it one bag at a time (which sucks when you live in an apartment) or have someon help. Aghhhh...the little things

Rickey,
Good question. For me it started with not be able to play tennis, which I had to give up at the ripe old age of 30. Then it was anything that required me to run, like basketball, and baseball as my hips were in bad shape. In fact I can't remember what it feels like to run. Them as my ablility to look up decreased I could not play volleyball or swim, excpt for a backstroke. But thank God the majority of the necessary things in life I can still do, as long as it isn't too high up like paint the ceiling. I was able to hold my child when she was born 14 years ago and I can still hug my wife and I can work. There are way too many blessings to list so I feel truly blessed. God has allowed me to suffer for a reason and I truly do believe that I will be better off in the long run for it. It certaintly has made me more compassionate to people who are suffering, and the world sure can use more compassionate people.

Harry

I'm usually silly and don't take much about this lousy disease to heart, but the list of things I've given up breaks my heart.

Too many to count. How about chasing my wife through the snow on one of those great winter days and tackling her and laughing as we freeze our AS*'s off.
-Throwing a curveball. I can still feel the seams of an unused ball inmy fingers if I dream about it.
-Diving into a pool and swimming a vigorous lap.
-Combing my hair with either my left or right hand.
-going to a cocktail party and looking folks eye to eye.

Just standing on the street corner at night with a crowd of friends and not doubling over with aches.

The list is infinite. My life is stil wonderful and I have learne dhow compassionate people are willing to be but man the trade-off was an enormous price to pay. So be it.


stevec-they also serve who stand and wait

Hello there Rickey and Welcome!

I have had to give up several things that were REALLY hard to give up:

driving ~ my neck is now fused and I can't look upwards left nor right

high heels~ sounds a bit silly, but I was soooo sexy wearing them with my little pedicured toes

long walks~ after the first two hip replacements, I could still manage to walk the malls and grocery shop, now I must limit my wakling because the more I walk, the closer my face moves towards my knees

I just have to be thankful for what I CAN do, which is walk without any aids as of lately and try my best to live a "normal" life.

Take care and chat with ya later, JP

Cant' say I've totally given it up, but probably will soon.... sewing. Just finished a dress (Oh so cute) for my 16 yr old, but I can only bend over that machine a few minutes at at time.....
BAking! Well, I do have the gluten free bread and roll mix, but wheat flour is out. BYE, BYE fat cinnamon rolls and banana bread and sourdough bread!
Hopefully won't have to give up traveling, but I am making plans to fly instead of taking car trips this summer. Driving and riding KILL my neck and shoulders. It's the worst.
Darla

"Starting today, your kindness will lead you to success" from a recent fortune cookie

Harry,

I know what you are talking about on the sports. I gave up baseball at 29. Went into Bowling which lasted until I was 40. Gave it up, to much pain. However each time something is given up we tend to find something else to replace it with. Now I am one who is strong in faith and I always carry on. I know this sometimes is a strange thing but AS has made me a better person meaning that I pay more attention to the real things that are important in life such as family and friends. Oh, by the way after bowling I took up Nascar raceing, watching that is. I believe I can do this one for awhile.

Jp,

I haven't given up driving yet but I can see a day when it will come. How about just being able to walk and see the person next to you when you talking to them. Now I have to make sure everyone is out in front of me. Its the little things.