Fight the Fusion

Out of every disease that I suffer from, two of the most terrifying for me are Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

While HAE can be considered to have less of a progressive future, AS is one of those diseases that you do not want to see ahead of time what the future may hold.
This particular spondyloarthropy causes inflammation, erosion, and fusion mainly within the SI Joints and spine. It can affect other regions and in severe cases can fuse the ribs together - which can cause severe organ complications. It is often diagnosed in young adulthood and can progress very quickly.
With any chronic illness, there are infinite variations and differing experiences, but the overall progression is similar. Inflammation - Erosion - Fusion - potential surgery.
So that is why we have to do everything in our power to slow down this frightening process.

The complication of also having HAE is that many of the medications used to slow down AS is contraindicated; the Biologic medications tend to exacerbate HAE symptoms. When HAE attacks consist of throat swelling and obstructed breathing, these medications are not safe.

This fact is another reason why I have been practicing yoga so much more in recent months. Staying active as much as possible has been shown to potentially help slow down fusion in the spine. So, although I cannot be active every single day, nor can I be active for more than ten minutes or so at a time, I will Fight the Fusion by being committed to stretching and strengthening my body.

Along with this blog, I chronicle much of my battle with chronic illness on other platforms.
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Share your stories and videos, DM my page if you would like to be featured, and help give a voice and awareness for all of us suffering with Ankylosing Spondylitis, with chronic illness, with inflammatory illnesses, who are doing what they can, whenever they can, to maintain an active lifestyle in some capacity.