I'm in a similar boat-- my parents didn't believe in doctors, so I've only recently been able to actually start learning about all the issues my body struggles with-- I'm only 25, but I want to be able to keep up with my future kiddos. You're not alone!

i’m with you in a lot of that- i’m low on words tonight, but you have my heart behind you.

I hate to add this on but I have no idea how often docs tell their AS patients about it- jsyk, if you ever experience sudden onset red eyes, light sensitivity, and severe headache/sharp eye pain, go to an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. The inflammation that comes w AS can pop up in the eyes as well :( the condition is called iritis or uveitis and it’s time sensitive but entirely possible to resolve with no lasting damage. I’ve worked through making my home easier for me to navigate and spare myself from expending physical and mental effort on things that aren’t what I want to get hung up on- a visible spot for my key ring, having an open closet so I don’t have to do anything to see my clothes, a metal cart next to my bed with my medication bottles and other handy things so I can refill my weekly pill cases without getting out of bed, etc. When I changed my perspective from “I hate how things are hard for me for no reason” (and I still do smfh this sucks) to “where are my pain points and how can I reduce or eliminate them” it allowed me to cut out my stress at home little by little.

Welcome, I completely get you. The only way I can get them to stop diagnosing me is to stop going to the doctor. Lol 😂 I deal with my frustration with humor. I hope your smiling.