I want to be more involved- but I don’t know how. I want to help make a difference for other people living with AS. I want to do something that helps pave the way for medical advances, so future generations are better able to fight this disease.
From what I can tell there is somewhere between a 5% and 40% chance that any children I have will develop AS. I want treatment to reach a point where it is so accessible and effective that I don’t have to consider whether I should have my own children or not for fear of passing this disease on to them.
I want to not be biting my nails waiting to hear back on my prior approval form to see whether or not my insurance company will cover the cost of my medication.
I want more doctors to focus on this type of disease, so I will be able to go in and see my rheumatologist when I feel I need to, and not be stuck waiting months because his schedule is too busy.
I want there to be a more accurate way to detect AS in it’s early stages, so people don’t have to suffer and spend years seeking a diagnosis.
I want a lot of things in the future.
I want to see progress in Ankylosing Spondylitis research, treatment, and care. I want to be involved and to help make these things happen. I want to support the other people who want all of the same things, and are facing all of the same struggles- but I’m not sure the best way to do it. For now I will speak up about my disease; I will educate and advocate in the best ways I know how. Will you do the same?
