Story
In 2013 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis which is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition. This means that it is ongoing and life-long, although I have periods of good health (remission), I also have times when symptoms are more active (flare-ups).
In 2016 my consultant decided to send me for a CT scan as my colitis wasn't active but I was still suffering with extreme pain and fatigue. The CT Scan highlighted severe inflammation around my spine and pelvis typical of that of suffers of ankylosing spondylitis and I was referred urgently to rheumatology
In June 2017 after an agonizing 7 month wait and various blood tests and scans I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic auto immune disorder in which the joints of my spine fuse together causing severe pain and discomfort it can also spread to other joints. So at the grand age of 31 I have been diagnosed with severe joint arthritis! As you can imagine this has been very daunting for me as I'm not sure how long I will be able to continue doing the things I love or how long I will be mobile for! Ankylosing spondylitis causes me both chronic pain and fatigue - I never know how I'm going to wake up feeling on a daily basis! This can affect both my work and social life!
Many of you who know me are now probably wondering how I teach you in class or ride so fast on the road... I hide my symptoms well! A brave face works wonders and I'm passionate about them both!
August 1st marked the start of my immunosuppressive drug therapy and the day I found out I have secured a place in the Birmingham Velo! I am unsure of how long I have left to do the activities I love doing but I will battle on until the very end ! I have decided to raise some money for the National Ankylosing Spondylitis society as they have helped me so much in short period of time with something that is life changing.
I am going to attempt the Birmingham Velo 100 on 24th September! Any donations big or small would be highly appreciated
Thanks for reading my story - I'm very rarely an open book. But now you know about me!!
Rockstar ZB
Zoe
In 2016 my consultant decided to send me for a CT scan as my colitis wasn't active but I was still suffering with extreme pain and fatigue. The CT Scan highlighted severe inflammation around my spine and pelvis typical of that of suffers of ankylosing spondylitis and I was referred urgently to rheumatology
In June 2017 after an agonizing 7 month wait and various blood tests and scans I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic auto immune disorder in which the joints of my spine fuse together causing severe pain and discomfort it can also spread to other joints. So at the grand age of 31 I have been diagnosed with severe joint arthritis! As you can imagine this has been very daunting for me as I'm not sure how long I will be able to continue doing the things I love or how long I will be mobile for! Ankylosing spondylitis causes me both chronic pain and fatigue - I never know how I'm going to wake up feeling on a daily basis! This can affect both my work and social life!
Many of you who know me are now probably wondering how I teach you in class or ride so fast on the road... I hide my symptoms well! A brave face works wonders and I'm passionate about them both!
August 1st marked the start of my immunosuppressive drug therapy and the day I found out I have secured a place in the Birmingham Velo! I am unsure of how long I have left to do the activities I love doing but I will battle on until the very end ! I have decided to raise some money for the National Ankylosing Spondylitis society as they have helped me so much in short period of time with something that is life changing.
I am going to attempt the Birmingham Velo 100 on 24th September! Any donations big or small would be highly appreciated
Thanks for reading my story - I'm very rarely an open book. But now you know about me!!
Rockstar ZB
Zoe