Everthrive

World AS Day — it’s not “just back pain.”

For me, it’s stiffness that doesn’t ease, eye inflammation that comes out of nowhere, gut inflammation + IBS, fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix, and brain fog that makes even simple days feel heavy.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a whole-body autoimmune disease, not just a spine issue. It can affect the eyes, digestive system, energy levels, and more.

My onset started in my late 20s — right when life was supposed to be accelerating. Instead, I had to slow everything down. I changed careers. I left a busy city for a quieter one. I built a more minimal lifestyle to keep cortisol low… because stress = inflammation.

There are visible changes too — scoliosis from spinal fusion, a rib flare — reminders that this disease reshapes more than just routines. It reshapes your body, your plans, and your identity.

AS affects both mental and physical health — something that doesn’t get talked about enough!

Around 23 million people worldwide are living with this form of inflammatory arthritis, yet so many of us are told it’s “just back pain.”

I’m still learning this disease every day — how to manage it, how to listen to my body, and how to adapt without losing myself.

And I’m grateful for this community — for the tips, the shared experiences, the support from people who get it, near and far.

If you’re here, you’re not alone.

💚Ali

Weird (but true) science!

A genetic test is what ultimately led to my AS diagnosis 10 years ago. My bloodwork revealed that I was HLA-B27 positive.

HLA-B27 is a protein found in white blood cells. Its presence can be nothing, but also could indicate a high chance of developing an autoimmune disease, such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (me), and uveitis (me).

At the time of my diagnosis, I was also extremely stressed out, working 24/7, dealing with personal and family drama, sleeping minimally, and eating poorly. I also fell down on the ice pretty badly while walking my dog and landed very hard on my sacrum.

Any or all of these things could have interacted to facilitate the onset of my AS. Crappy genes combined with crappy lifestyle and adverse situations. But maybe it really doesn’t matter how we got sick. Once we have the info, we can make informed choices about our health and how to feel better going forward.

💚Ali

Weird (but true) science!

A genetic test is what ultimately led to my AS diagnosis 10 years ago. My bloodwork revealed that I was HLA-B27 positive.

HLA-B27 is a protein found in white blood cells. Its presence can be nothing, but also could indicate a high chance of developing an autoimmune disease, such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (me), and uveitis (me).

At the time of my diagnosis, I was also extremely stressed out, working 24/7, dealing with personal and family drama, sleeping minimally, and eating poorly. I also fell down on the ice pretty badly while walking my dog and landed very hard on my sacrum.

Any or all of these things could have interacted to facilitate the onset of my AS. Crappy genes combined with crappy lifestyle and adverse situations. But maybe it really doesn’t matter how we got sick. Once we have the info, we can make informed choices about our health and how to feel better going forward.

💚Ali

hlab27

7 weeks post-op, I took my scars to the beach.

January 20, I had my gallbladder removed after 3.5 years of severe, immobilizing pain.

While AS is often described as a condition that affects the spine, inflammation doesn’t always stay in one place. My symptoms didn’t fit neatly into one category, but I knew something wasn’t right.

It took 3.5 years for a doctor to believe me. I was eventually referred to a gastroenterologist and then to two surgeons. The first thought it sounded more like gastritis and panic attacks. The second knew it was my gallbladder.

Choosing surgery wasn’t dramatic—it was necessary. It came down to listening to my body and advocating for myself when things didn’t add up.

Last week, I went on vacation—healed, aside from my scars. They’re fully visible, and I joke that I have two belly buttons now. Still, I chose the bikini. I’m 43, I’ve lived a life, and I don’t feel the need to hide any of it.

My four scars are a reminder of what my body went through—and what it came through.

If you’re living with chronic illness, this is your reminder: your symptoms are valid, even when they’re hard to explain. Pay attention, ask questions, and don’t ignore what your body is telling you.

Gallbladder issues with AS are rare, but our bodies are complex and connected.

And yes—definitely wear the bikini.