Your Fatigue
Learn more about fatigue and how it can be managed
Read moreThis information is for anyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) including people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Axial SpA is like having a lifetime partner
It is not one that anyone would choose so it is natural to battle against it at first.
Your first line of defence is often to pretend it’s not there – to carry on with life as normal. This can work for a while but it has a habit of catching you out.
After time, with diagnosis and treatment it is possible to develop a positive approach to managing your axial SpA – learning to exercise, doing your stretches and finding the right level of medication. BUT, it’s also important to pay attention to how you manage life as a whole.
Impact of axial SpA
The impact of axial SpA can seep into all aspects of your life. It can affect you internally – how you think and feel about yourself and the world and it can affect your external life – your work, relationships and leisure activities. It can cause enormous challenges and losses but you can also grow; developing resilience, wisdom and often a great sense of humour.
People vary as to how well they cope but there are certain themes that emerge.
Impact during the early years
In younger years, you can feel robbed of the life you might have had – the ability to socialise without fear of pain and fatigue, play sports, develop a career of choice.
This can lead to a sense of anger which in some cases may lead to depression, often compounded by a sense of fear and uncertainty about the future.
There may be concerns about forming relationships and then about managing with young children. It can be difficult to cope with the exhaustion and parents can develop a sense of guilt about not being able to manage the children physically – lifting and playing with them. This can be much more about a sense of loss for the parent than any actual negative impact on the children.
Impact on working
While many are able to continue with their original employment routes, there are those that will have had to change or adapt their work and some that have to stop or take time out. Different types of employment (and employers) have different effects.
The ideal job would be reasonably active, not too pressurised with an understanding employer but these jobs are scarce in the real world. So many with axial SpA are very determined in their approach and do not want to let the AS ‘win’. This may mean that you plough on at work but have very little left when you get home.
Impact on relationships
Relationships can suffer, with partners often at a loss to know how to cope with ‘Mr or Mrs Grumpy’ who walks through the door in the evening. Misunderstandings can easily arise from something as simple as the need of a person in pain to have a little space, being interpreted as rejection by their partner.
Intimacy
Intimate relationships are about close companionship and shared experiences expressed within a physical relationship.
Difficulties with sexual activity may occur due to a number of reasons including the side effects of medication, pain through contact, fear of contact, tiredness and restricted movement.
A cycle can develop where it is difficult to re-connect physically after a hiatus in a sexual relationship. One person may feel responsible and guilt gets in the way of passion.
Talking with each other about this may feel difficult but sharing your innermost feelings is a form of intimacy even if you are unable to connect physically and can strengthen a relationship.
It may also be worth a visit to the GP who may have suggestions for some treatment.
Social life
Human beings are social animals but not everyone with axial SpA feels able to be sociable when they might be expected to.
This is often because of fatigue but axial SpA can also lead to people isolating themselves. This may be due to physical restrictions in ordinary communication – if you can’t turn your head to the side it is difficult to follow conversations in group settings. It can also be because of a lack of confidence and poor self-image due to physical changes.
This is likely to get worse if you avoid social occasions so, within limits, it is better to try to participate a little than completely withdraw.
What can help?
Acceptance
Acceptance transforms your experience of axial SpA from being at war with a part of yourself to recognising your needs as a whole person.
Many fear that giving up the battle means giving in but it’s not about winning or losing but working with your condition. If you attend to its needs (rest and relaxation along with exercise) you are more likely to be able to get on with your life.
Incorporating this way of thinking into your life takes time and practice. This may mean paying attention to your emotional and psychological needs and for some that will involve acknowledging a struggle for which you may need professional help.
Recognition of depression
It is very important to see your GP and discuss treatment options if you feel you may be suffering from a depression that you just can’t seem to come through on your own.
There are plenty of older people with axial SpA who have gone through periods of depression when they were younger who now see it as part of a process of acceptance.
Talking to your employer
Facing the condition directly and accepting your needs with it can help in all aspects of life. It can help in talking honestly with employers about some simple adjustments you might need in your workplace and it can help in discussions at home about what you can and can’t do. It can also help in how you manage yourself socially – working out who needs to know.
Dealing with stress and anxiety
Trying to prevent some of the worst effects of stress will reduce physical tension which has to be beneficial in managing your condition. Leaving space for time in your life for some form of relaxation can pay huge dividends. Your choice might vary from meditation to fishing, walking or singing in a choir.
Learning and practising breathing exercises is a simple but effective form of stress management that you can use at any time. Talking with someone who understands can be very helpful. This may be someone you have met through NASS, an understanding partner or friend or a professional counsellor.
Watch our video on anxiety for more detailed advice.
Preparing for the difficult times
It can help to have a mental (or written) list of what helps you to keep going through the difficult times. Knowing that you have got through it before and reminding yourself what worked then is a good strategy. Some things on the list may be practical things you can do and some could be more to do with the way you think about things – reminding yourself that you have limits and not to ‘beat yourself up’ about the things you feel you should be doing.
There are many, many people who live full, satisfying lives with axial SpA. Not everyone will experience the difficult emotional aspects and some will only experience them for a stage in their lives and will come through it.
That knowledge and knowing that it is OK to ask for help can make a difference.
Help and support
Anxiety UK is a charity which provides support if you are suffering with anxiety. You can call on 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15-35
Talking Therapies provides NHS treatment for people living with anxiety and depression. You can search for the local service in your area. Local services vary but will typically offer talking therapies, guided self help and cognitive behavioural therapy. These can be used alone or in combination with medication. Some local services offer online self referral.
Mental Health Foundation provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Mind promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. You can call 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
OCD Action offers support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder. It includes information on treatment and online resources. You can call 0845 390 6232 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)
Rethink Mental Illness offers support and advice for people living with mental illness. You can call on 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Samaritans is a confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can call 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
