This May I will be taking part in the Walk Your AS Off challenge to raise awareness about Axial Spondyloarthritis (Axial SpA) and vital funds to transform the diagnosis and care of people living with Axial SpA.

“Walk Your AS Off is a virtual step challenge and is all about getting active for health, your way. You walk or run a distance of your choice, whilst supporting others who live with Axial SpA. It's organised by Walk AS One, a volunteer-led organisation based in the US that motivates the global Axial SpA (AS) community to raise awareness about the condition. National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) supports this event, alongside other organisations worldwide, to help raise awareness of Axial SpA and raise funds to support our vital work.”

Axial spondyloarthritis (Axial SpA) is an auto immune chronic inflammatory disease which causes inflammation in the spine and other areas of the body. “Axial SpA is an umbrella term and it includes: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) where changes to the sacroiliac joints or the spine can be seen on x-ray and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Axial SpA is a lot more than just a ‘bad back’, inflammation where muscles attach to the bones, causes extreme pain and if left untreated, it can permanently fuse bones together. It’s an invisible and misdiagnosed condition often leaving people feeling powerless, in increasing pain and extreme exhaustion.”

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2018 after five long years of fighting for a diagnosis. In 2020 I was diagnosed with Secondary Fibromyalgia and a disc protrusion. Having to go from a sporty, outgoing, spontaneous, fun young person to riddled with chronic pain and a lack of independence took a huge toll on me not just physically but mentally too. It has been a challenging journey to say the least but with the help and support from my family, close friends and the community at NASS, I have accepted my health and the journey I am on and owe a lot of my self acceptance and growth to them. 

“NASS is the only charity in the UK dedicated to transforming axial SpA (AS) care in the UK. For over 40 years we’ve been providing specialist support, advice and the most up-to-date information. We aim to empower everyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) to manage their treatment and to stay in control of their lives. We are driven to ensure that health professionals around the country deliver tailored and timely care to every patient, every time.”

This is the first time I’ll be taking part in something like this and am so grateful for any support and/or donations towards my goal! I am also currently working with NASS to share my story in more detail through a blog post that will be going live during May which I will share when it’s live. Again, thank you for all your support and let’s do thissss☺️

Skye x