Family and friends
Being diagnosed with AS does not mean the end of your social life. Small changes and good planning can ensure minimal impact.
It is important to talk about AS to family and friends to help them to understand its potential impact on your life. Here are some tips to help you talk about your condition so that people around you can better understand what you are going through:
- Learn as much as you can. The more you know about AS, the better you can explain it
- Be open and honest about how you are feeling. Tell your friends and family what you need and how they can help
- Teach your friends and family about AS
- Tell your family and friends that the pain, joint stiffness and fatigue you experience will vary. Ask them to be understanding if you need to change or postpone activities
- When you get together with your family and friends, plan activities in which you can all participate
- Talk openly with your family or partner. Expressing your true feelings with regards to your illness will help them have a better understanding and allow them to help during difficult times
As AS normally starts before the age of 30 it may have an impact on your relationship with your partner. It is important to be open about your AS, your symptoms and how the condition impacts your life. Tiredness and pain can impact how you feel.