Her Bizarre Symptoms Were Actually Ankylosing Spondylitis | Hannah's Story

Hannah’s journey to getting diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily strikes the lower back and pelvis, began when she was 23 with a strange low-grade fever. Hannah's AS presented less typically than many other cases; learn how she got diagnosed and what being part of the AS patient community means to her.
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Hannah's story is part of a video series called My Backstory, which features different patient journeys. AS patients share what it was like to get diagnosed and what life is like with AS.
This series was created by the nonprofit patient community CreakyJoints to raise awareness for back pain and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of inflammatory arthritis that frequently goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Learn more about the campaign by visiting creakyjoints.org/backpain/.
The videos in this campaign were produced with support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

[@xDucky17x]

Did a research paper in college on ankylosing spondylitis. Interviewed a feller with a severe case of it and was astounded at how upbeat he was in what appeared to be a statue-like state. Two weeks later my mom called and told me she was diagnosed with it. So far it's only affected her hips from an injury about eight years ago, but she's doing well. Was tickled to see a commercial on the tele about it this week. Awareness is half the battle.

[@tinah6423]

I’m 50 now and wasn’t diagnosed until I was over 40 and already had a bamboo/fused spine. I chased a diagnosis since I was 17 yrs old. A chiropractor found my because of the obvious. I’ve never been treated, I have no trust in the health community and I’ve lived for decades being told it is my fault I hurt.

[@sapphire1817]

Oh my goodness that is just awful!

[@kimberlymarie3651]

I've lost trust in doctors and their so called health care also ...

[@arig6646]

I'm sorry you're suffering 🥺 I'm a fellow sufferer as well from this horrible disease. 💔❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@andreal3239]

My mom was very uncomfortable with me using a walker or cane, my doctors didn’t like the idea of a 20yr old needing a cane so I never got one, I suffered for that, but now I’m on Humira and that’s enough

[@CdnMommy3]

I know exactly what you mean about finally getting a diagnosis and feeling that sigh of relief. It’s almost like a feeling of joy b/c now you can actually put a name to it and not feel crazy. It’s been over 5 years for me, and I’m just getting there after dozens of diagnosis for A.S 💖

[@arig6646]

To all my fellows that are suffering from this horrible painful disease: My heart goes out to all of you 💔💔💔 I'm sorry you are suffering so so much. You don't deserve it. We all deserve a pain free life. I'm truly very sorry for all you've been thru 😭 The pain is immeasurable. I see you. We all see you. We're in this together. You're not alone my friend. One day at a time. Praying for all of us to heal. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@jessplayz6853]

Thank you!

[@lollywilliamward1499]

I love when I hear someone else describing it as I do. I just said to my husband a few days ago that shopping carts were the most helpful! I don't have a fancy walked with WHEELS!! I have certainly been wishing I had one of those little electric scooters that people drive around in their house though or a narrow cart with wheels at elbow height.

[@MeltmyHeart365]

Im in late stages... im having trouble dealing now. Im 53. Ty for ur videos and sharing

[@CaliCoastRCFPV]

Hi Hannah. We went to HS together! I also have AS. Allie Estes

[@CARTELZURI]

I’m going through this right now😞

[@seanhumphreys3993]

Was diagnosed this year after 2 years of just being told i have anxiety. I also dont have typical AS symptoms and also thought i had lupus ❤

[@JeanineBruen]

I've had mono and considering the negative health effects following after for years, I have gotten tested for so many conditions. With all the symptoms I am having I wonder if it's AS. I'm still searching for answers. I wonder what the link is. I've heard so many cases of mono leading to conditions like this.

[@juliebradley6961]

Good attitude Hannah! 💟🌈

[@Wildripperz_pro]

I have this problem I hv high fever wht to do

[@davyg8864]

I have been for a few blood tests, i had test done for rhumatoid arthiritis it came back false negative, my test for imflammation came back positive, my vitamin D came back low. I had xrays in my back/hip and hand they came back as nothing showing, my neck and back came back saying i have arthitis. Its so confusing as my worst pain comes from my back and hip and right down my left leg, although my full body aches, i wake up 2-3 times a night with my forearms, elbow and shoulders aching, my hands ache, wrist, ankles, hip and lower back, And my groin. Also have plantar fascitits in both feet, if i have over done my upper body is tight and i have difficuilty breathing. After work i feel as though i have been hit by a bus, my heels are so so sore. I have been referred to a rhumatalogist but going to be a long wait. Dont know if i can wait months i have been trying to get this sorted for years this is them just doing these tests. I am so down about my day to day life, my pain on a good day is a 7 out of 10 on a bad day 10. So tired and fed up. Take meloxicam and dhyrcodiene, vitamin d, and onzeprole. Does anyone ever expierence pain i there achilles and calfs. Im am so depressed every night i say to myself maybe tomorrow i will feel better, i have been living like this for years now wondering if the next day will be better and it never is. I try to explain to people how sore and fatigued i am but its like they just dont believe me or understand how i am feeling. Often feel like giving up, if it wasnt for my family i would just give up.ARE ALL THESE SYMPTOMS SIMILAR TO HOW OTHER PEOPLE FEEL????

[@zxwd]

Si uguale non sei solo ..

[@picktheblueone]

Yes, I have or have had the same entire list of symptoms. Additionally, I had double tennis elbow for like 5 months straight before it just disappeared with my other symptoms for about 6 months. Then they came back yet again, minus the tennis elbows. Shoulders get numb and ache at night. Horrible cramp/pain/tightness in my groin that stops me from walking after about walking for one mile. If I rest for 1-2 minutes I can be good for another mile sometimes. I have had what I thought was a rib knocked out of place - hurt to take deep breaths. that lasted for almost 3 weeks. They say I don't have rhumatoid arthritis, but I am going to get checked for AS as this seems like a dead ringer for my symptoms.

[@seanhumphreys3993]

Reading this sounded like me talking to doctors for the last 2 years. I feel your pain. I was diagnosed this year after 2 years of being told I just had anxiety. It's horrible. As I write this my left calf hurts, my elbow tendons are swollen and I feel short of breath. Yesterday stabbing chest pains and left arm pains and I have a rash on my cheeks like lupus, but tested negative for lupus. I've been following Gary Brecka lately and have done a bunch of diet changes, I've seen mild improvements. Hang in there ❤