Welcome To My New Life Fighting A Disease I've Never Heard Of Before....... Ankylosing Spondylitis

  On top of dealing with AS, Fibro, Neuropathy, Osteoarthritis, and Scoliosis, I am very stressed about money.   My family is struggling financially. In December 2016, I had to make the hard decision that it was time to give up my job. The fatigue and pain from my diseases and working was overwhelming. I would come home from work and go straight to bed. Some days, I would get up about 8pm and make myself a bowl of cereal or a sandwich. My mother lives beside me, she would cook healthy meals for my teenage son. Many days she would save me a plate, which was a blessing. Toward the fall of 2016, my mom realized how horrible my struggle had become and cooked every day for us.   My husband works second shift, 3pm - 11:30pm. By the time my husband drives home from work, it's 12:30am. Therefore, he only saw me in the morning for a half hour or so before I left for work. It was a rough schedule, not being able to see each other. We made it work for 3 years but I don't think...

  This morning was one of those mornings, the kind where you would like to stay in bed all day, but can't.   Normally, I try to not commit to too many engagements on the same weekend, let alone the same day. Ankylosing Spondylitis has taught me very quickly who controls my social agenda. As many of you with autoimmune diseases wholeheartedly know, our minds and hearts may be set on doing something but our bodies may say, "no way, not today".   I had confirmed months ago, I would attend my cousin's wedding at 4 p.m. today. I was expecting I would have all day to get this ole body moving and ready to attend. Of course, it doesn't always go as planned.   For several years, I have attended an annual Women's Conference in the fall. I enjoy these conferences very much and value the time with my friends and community. I found out a few weeks ago that the conference was today from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. That's how you end up filling too many activities into one...

  Last night as I lay in bed trying to get to sleep, my feet were burning and my ankles ached. I have Peripheral Neuropathy. My neurologist prescribed Gabapentin about 3 years ago and has increased my dosage as needed.    I had an appointment with my neurologist last month. I told her my neuropathy symptoms are worsening, keeping me awake at night and causing me to fall more frequently. The doctor explained she could increase my Gabapentin, but the side effects would also increase. My main side effect being sleepiness during the daytime. If that side effect would hit me at nighttime it would be the perfect solution to my problems. Alas, no luck there. After telling her I certainly didn't need more daytime sleepiness, she said Lyrica might be an option. Of course, I have saw the advertisements on television for Lyrica. My doctor told me I would need to discontinue the Gabapentin before beginning Lyrica. Therein lies the problem, my Gabapentin also helps control...