Living with ankylosing spondylitis: Pierre's perspective

Pierre Fauguère is a patient living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Hear how the disease affects his life and ambitions for the future.
© 2015 Novartis AG

[chrisranz]

I have ankylosing spondylitis it was diagnosed when I was 22 years of age I am now 63 and I'm doing fantastic little trick it's important to keep moving don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself I'm not saying this to be mean swimming walking gentle stretching 1 baths saunas steam room these are all things you can do and most important not to sound so philosophical I know it sounds cliche always keep a positive attitude and there are medications you can take y'all have a good evening if you agree with me give me a hoot God bless

[bicrastAK]

I feel I just watched myself in this video. I have total non movement in my neck and legs are pretty much useless walking after 2mins trying hard. What's hardest for me is I lived a happy successful life before this disease killed that person 6 years ago. Took everything from me.

[sakealex]

28 here. Life is hell with the disease. It might be possible to see a cure for cancer before this disease.

[rebel]

I am getting depressed watching all of these videos. Had AS for a long time. 40 years old now. If anyone is watching these and feeling sorry for yourself, I understand. The world doesn't. Everyone with this will learn how strong you can be. You gotta just get up, look down, and keep going. Try not to hit your heads.

[tonyday]

I know exactly how this young man feels (I am an old man now). I have had to create a lifestyle around my AS. I too could not pursue certain career paths, but basically I am an artist so I've worked around the problem and I feel I've accomplished much ..and still do. It's also seriously affected emotional relationships, but even so I've had my moments! So don't give up, find another way to move on. Bon chance!

[mattowies]

i have AS and work as a PM in construction. Don't give up mate.

[Halsafe]

I have been dealing with Ankylosing Spondylitis for the past 6 years and Rheumatoid Arthritis 9 years now. Everyday is a complete struggle

[florabraswell]

Gods Blessing’s to everyone with AS, l understand your pain ! 💁‍♀️💙💁‍♀️💕🙏🙏

[richardhoward]

Hi Pierre, It's good to see you again :-) Your friend from the US, Rich

[bestetass]

I gave up my job, architecture. And now am a yoga ınstructor. Please choose a sport, eventhough you feel weak, tired at times. I understand you. Also change your habits. Eating as well. Hope you the best in life. We need to stay positive :)

[mumer]

I spend 19 years of my life in pain and still no hope 😭😭😭😭😢

[maskedathiest]

this is something that worked for me when it came to sleeping. it may not work for everyone. nor is it possible for everyone to
i would stay awake as long as possible. sometimes 18 to 20 hours. when i could hardly keep my eyes open any longer i would go to sleep. i would only sleep for 4 hours.
this limited the amount of stiffness i felt in my back and neck from laying down and not moving. sometimes i would go to sleep at 4 am. sometimes it would 7 pm.
my sleep pattern was all over the place. but it was a life saver for me. it took about a month to get used to sleeping so little. though after i did, i felt more refreshed than i ever did sleeping for 8 hours. sometimes i would lay in bed trying to sleep for 2 or 3 hours. trying to sleep when you are in pain is a nightmare.
falling a sleep in pain when you are exhausted is much easier. lucky for me i am finally on a biologic. it is not a 100 % turn least now i dont walk around with the feeling of broken feet. i no longer need my wife to help me get to the bathroom when i wake up. the psoriasis is gone. my nails no longer feel like they are going to fall off.
i still only sleep for 5 hours a night though. it really is much better to get 4 or 5 hours of good rest. than 9 hours of mediocre rest

[kimberlyredfield]

I have this. I have been misdiagnosed I now have multiple fusion I cannot walk it had attack my heart I have a pacemaker. I have paralyzed stomach. I’m going to list my legs.