Story of My Disease on AS & RA

Event Overview

Story of My Disease on AS & RA is a patient-centric storytelling session that creates a safe and supportive space for individuals living with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to share their personal journeys. The event highlights real-life experiences of diagnosis, challenges, coping strategies, and resilience. By listening to and learning from each other’s stories, participants gain emotional support, practical insights, and reassurance that they are not alone in their journey. The session encourages empathy, acceptance, and strength through shared experiences.

Event Agenda

Welcome and introduction session
Understanding the Power of Patient Stories
Understanding RA & AS, Myths, Symptoms, Cause
Patient Storytelling Session AS & RA Journeys
Q &A
Conclusion

Image Gallery

Q & A

What myths about Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are often challenged through patient experiences?

Patient stories often dispel myths such as arthritis affecting only older adults, pain being unavoidable, or exercise being harmful. Real experiences replace misinformation with awareness and practical understanding.

Why does Ankylosing Spondylitis pain feel worse at night or early morning?

AS pain is inflammatory in nature and increases during rest due to ongoing immune activity. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is a key symptom that improves with movement, not rest.

Which joints and body areas are most affected in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis?

RA commonly affects hands, wrists, knees, and feet symmetrically, while Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily impacts the lower back, hips, spine, and sometimes the chest wall, causing stiffness and posture changes.

Why do AS and RA patients experience extreme fatigue even without severe joint pain?

Chronic inflammation, immune system activity, poor sleep, and medication side effects all contribute to fatigue. Fatigue is a real disease symptom and not just physical tiredness.

Do long-term arthritis medications cause dependency or serious side effects?

Medications such as DMARDs and biologics are not addictive, but they require regular monitoring. When used correctly under medical supervision, benefits usually outweigh risks in controlling disease progression.

What should patients know before starting biologic injections for RA or AS?

Biology helps control inflammation at the immune level. Patients should be screened for infections, follow vaccination guidance, and maintain regular follow-ups to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Why is pain sometimes present even when blood reports appear normal?

Inflammation can persist at tissue or spinal levels even when blood markers are normal. Imaging, symptoms, and patient experience are equally important in assessing disease activity.