Your Stories
Discover the powerful and inspiring stories of Canadians living with spondyloarthritis on our dedicated Spondyloarthritis Stories page. Each journey showcases resilience, strength, and hope, offering firsthand experiences of navigating life with this chronic condition. From overcoming challenges to finding effective treatments and support, these personal accounts highlight the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and community. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing spondyloarthritis for years, these stories will remind you that you are not alone. Explore real-life perspectives, share your own experience, and be part of a supportive network that empowers and uplifts.
Walking from Mexico to Canada with Arthritis
They say that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. Now if you have arthritis or any form of chronic pain disease, you know this to be an especially daunting quote. In high school, I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed. A story of a troubled, newly divorced woman...
Podcast – Monica’s Navigation of Spondyloarthritis
Joining CSA in this episode is Monica, who has bravely navigated her own journey with spondyloarthritis. Monica shares her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced with treatment resistance and insights on the importance of having access to new...
Let’s Get Loud for AS: Michael Santillo’s Inspiring Journey
Michael Santillo’s journey after being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AxSpA/AS) not only illuminates the challenges faced by millions worldwide, but also exemplifies the power of community and determination in the face of adversity. Knowing that the lack of...
In recognition of the Canadians affected by axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), we’re sharing Dr. Élie Karam’s story.
“It’s just a sprain. It’ll go away. It’s nothing.” I thought I simply had a back sprain from playing squash. I dismissed the painful inflammation that began to spread from my back to my neck and shoulders. I became frustrated and annoyed at the limitations these...
Michael M’s Story
It has been 30 years since I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 1991. Prior to diagnosis I went through ten awful years that those living with axial spondyloarthritis will be familiar with: painful days and more painful, sleepless nights; a search for...
Meet Mihaly, our new Support Group Leader for Southwestern Ontario!
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...
Raj’s Story
Meet Raj from the UK. He is the Chair of NASS, patient advocate and motivated to not let AS define him. Diagnosed in his early 20’s Raj was told he would likely be in a wheel chair in 10 years. Watch his inspiring video sharing how he set goals, had a plan and...
Bjillian’s Story
Former Canadian Spondyloarthritis Assocation board member, Bjillian describes her first symptoms and how the pain progression happened. She also describes how she deals with the disease on a daily basis and how it impacts her life.
Graeme’s story: Living a full life in the face of ankylosing spondylitis
For the hundreds of thousands of Canadians with inflammatory arthritis, the road to effective treatment can be rocky.Arthritis comes in many forms beyond the rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis we’re all familiar with. For those with ankylosing spondylitis (AS),...