“Walk your AS Off is a great initiative, as I can tailor my steps to whatever I’m able to manage each day whilst still fulfilling the brief of keeping active and I’ll be fundraising at the same time!”
It took Caroline at least 10 years to diagnosed with axial SpA. Last year, she is took part in Walk Your AS Off for the first time with her dog, Minnie!
Here is her story.
It took at least 10 years for my diagnosis to be made, even though I was diagnosed with Crohn’s 10 years before – a disease closely associated with axial SpA. I’ve been on biologic therapy for both conditions for the past 2 years. Over the 12 months, I reached out for NASS and I’m so grateful for their support.
The NASS team have been tremendously helpful in supporting me living with the condition. I’ve had the benefit of weekly virtual physio sessions via my local NASS Glasgow branch and weekly physio, relaxation and social sessions with NASS Bristol. I’ve attended regional meet-ups online and face-to-face info days through NASS Voices events. I’ve also received crucial information and support via watching regular Facebook Live events and using the new Your SpAce resources. NASS really have helped me to live my best life despite axial SpA, so I want to help raise crucial funds and awareness to assist NASS in continuing to help me and other people.
It’s crucial that I stay physically active to try to manage my pain, limit the chance of my bones fusing, boost my energy levels in the face of fatigue, fight the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as maintain my overall wellbeing.
Walk your AS Off is a great initiative, as I can tailor my steps to whatever I’m able to manage each day whilst still fulfilling the brief of keeping active and I’ll be fundraising at the same time!
As well as hoping friends and family might consider sponsoring me and sharing my fundraising page – I’m going to have social walks built into my daily May walks. I’m looking forward to sightseeing around Glasgow and enjoying the odd rewarding tearoom, beer garden or lunch with supportive friends and family and their pet dogs, along the way. Most of the time, I’ll be accompanied by my wonderful furry “nurse” Minnie – who is steadfast in her support! I’m planning to blog our adventures regularly throughout the month on my Facebook page and I’m planning walks in Loch Lomond, Glasgow’s historic West End, a tour of the amazing Glasgow murals, seaside walks, walks in the many parks in the surrounding area and more!
Why not get involved, spread the word, plan some adventures, get active and raise crucial funds for us too if you can. Your health (and NASS) will thank you for it!
Feel inspired by Caroline’s story?
Click here to find out how to sign up for Walk Your AS Off.
Click here to create your fundraising page and start fundraising for NASS!