I know what you’re already thinking…terms like Ankylosing Spondylitis and Enteropathic Arthritis are hard enough to pronounce and this guy has a name that looks like hieroglyphics! It’s easy. It’s pronounced “Me-High Jur-X” , not so bad!
I’ve been living with AS for basically my entire adult life. It’s been a painful, frustrating and sometimes lonely journey over the past 35 years. I got to the point where I was looking for some sort of support, someone else out there that’s been coping with this disease like me. I wanted to chat with others that know exactly what I am going through.
That’s when I found the Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA) through my rheumatologist. I’m lucky to have an amazing one in Dr. Rohekar in London, Ontario! I reached out to CSA via email, looking for a support group that I could join during the earlier part of the COVID pandemic. At that time, I felt more alone, needing to be able to relate and talk with others at my lowest.
CSA introduced me to some amazing fellow patients who were hosting virtual meetings that I joined. The connections I made were invaluable and I immediately felt a sense of belonging and comfort in knowing that these people share similar experiences to mine. I asked if there was a local group in the London/Southwestern Ontario area and I found out there was not one in place at that time, but I was asked to consider starting one for Southwestern Ontario patients. I jumped in and volunteered to do this and I am now working with CSA to kick off a new group in 2023! I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to give back to my community, make new connections and help others living with spondyloarthritis.
I want to let others know after 35 years of living with AS that there’s more fight, there’s strength in supporting each other, and most importantly, you are NOT alone! There’s an amazing community here with the CSA, they make you feel like your family!
I would like to personally invite you to join me and others who understand what you’re going through every first Friday of the month at 6:30 PM EST. We’ll be meeting through Zoom and you’re welcome and encouraged to join us. You can share as little or as much as you want about yourself, or listen in as others talk about their experiences and offer thoughts about managing their disease.
To sign up, simply register below or for more information you can email support@SpArthritis.ca