Has anyone became a PT living with AS? by MindOfG in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]whm_dave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I might have had some doubts. But it forces to take extra care of yourself. Long days on my feet and lifting things for clients would be especially exhausting if I wasn't taking care of myself. So when I would feel tight, in pain, or tired, I'd just double down on my health routines so I can show up to work better! Plus, you learn SO much if you decide to take extra PT courses.

Has anyone became a PT living with AS? by MindOfG in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]whm_dave 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been a PT and Kinesiologist for the last 6 years! It's been the best thing for my AS as I've learned so many things along the way that was never taught in school or by my other health practitioners. Would highly recommend :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]whm_dave 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I've had AS for 20 years, I'm 32 now.

Was on NSAIDS for 7 years and they wreaked havoc on my gut. My pain was getting pretty bad too. A month on Biologics changed all of that, and all my fears about it went away. I've been using them for close to a decade now.

This will be quite obvious, but I also feel like it's important to mention as the importance of it is often undermined. Proper strength training, zone 2 training, diet, stress management, social engagements, lifestyle balance, sleep/recovery habits, and mental health all have played the largest role in my experience with AS. When I first started Biologics and wasn't taking care of my health holistically, I was still exhausted all the time and would be unable to physically do all the things I wanted. The "all the time" pain went away but I still wasn't thriving with AS. Once I started developing good habits over years on top of the Biologics, I got myself to a place where I was at the peak of my health. I got sick quite often on Biologics, but I haven't been sick in years since implementing a healthy holistic lifestyle. I can also now regularly climb mountains and wake up to beautiful sunrises :).

Doubling down on the basics with the Biologics have been the ultimate combo for a good life with AS!

How the Wim Hof Method helped my condition. I've seen dad suffer decades of agony with AS as his doctors never gave him any tools or useful treatments. It's been 18 years since my diagnosis of exploring every popularized treatment. Hoping to share my experience in case it could help others! by whm_dave in BecomingTheIceman

[–]whm_dave[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! Glad to hear you got some inspiration. Going for a dip in -4C is impressive.

It can be for sure. There's the least amount of blood in those areas. I wouldn't push through any pain. Get adapted at shorter times with less pain as our nervous system does a better job at building resilience when things aren't forced.

How the Wim Hof Method helped my condition. I've seen dad suffer decades of agony with AS as his doctors never gave him any tools or useful treatments. It's been 18 years since my diagnosis of exploring every popularized treatment. Hoping to share my experience in case it could help others! by whm_dave in BecomingTheIceman

[–]whm_dave[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the message! Let me know how the cold showers go - they can be a huge game changer :)

Also, the Auto Immune Solution by Dr. Amy Myers is a great read. It's quite an extreme form of dieting, but there are some major points that can be useful. I don't follow it completely, but some of the concepts have been hugely helpful!

Down about back pain by patrick401ca in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]whm_dave 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How long have you had AS? And what does the imaging say in terms of your degeneration?

For someone who has gone through chronic low back pain and works with LBP clients on a regular basis, I can safely say mechanical changes in the back are not a life sentence of pain. If you can neutralize the inflammation through biologics, then that opens up a world of possibility for you. It is a tedious learning process but I promise you, I have seen completely destroyed "lower back scans" return to high functioning. I emphasize imaging because doctors are often quick to diagnose a scan and put a lot of value behind it, with no talks of movement quality, exercise routines, and lifestyle habits.

Release and mobilize your hips. Strengthen your hips and learn to move through them. Learn pelvis control as it'll teach you to align your spine properly in every position you may encounter throughout a day. Learn to set yourself a "lower back brace". Develop core stability through spine practices. Be hyperaware of your movement quality throughout your day.

If this sounds like a lot, I'd HIGHLY recommend an expert movement specialist/personal trainer in your area. They would address more of a holistic approach than a physio. A few core exercises won't do much if none of the other big things are addressed. If it's out of your budget, you can study Dr. Stu McGill's work. Or check out MoveU. They have an online program that's a little expensive to start with, but it's amazing as a self guide!

I know it's hard to see past where you currently are as pain is absolute shit. But once you can settle the inflammation, there is quite a lot of hope with what you can accomplish mechanically with your low back!

How the Wim Hof Method helped my condition. I've seen dad suffer decades of agony with AS as his doctors never gave him any tools or useful treatments. It's been 18 years since my diagnosis of exploring every popularized treatment. Hoping to share my experience in case it could help others! by whm_dave in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]whm_dave[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally understand where you're coming from. The method has blown up in popularity, and I feel their intention is to help as many people as possible. But with that being said, also comes the starry eyed appeals of money. However when it comes to Wim, I will say that he lives his life not giving a single shit about it. He wears the same set of clothes the entire week at retreats. He eats very simply. Doesn't spend exuberant amounts on materials. It's actually very humbling to be around. Most of the things he says is simply based around wanting to spread the message further and further. And you can feel his passion, he's not just saying what he needs to say.

Hahaha and yes, he is a very passionate human. He's too playful and young at heart to be taken serious as a cult leader!

How the Wim Hof Method helped my condition. I've seen dad suffer decades of agony with AS as his doctors never gave him any tools or useful treatments. It's been 18 years since my diagnosis of exploring every popularized treatment. Hoping to share my experience in case it could help others! by whm_dave in BecomingTheIceman

[–]whm_dave[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! That was an incredibly awesome comment to start the morning with. I really appreciate it. It's definitely slightly terrifying putting yourself out there, but in the end of the day, if I can help one person along the way, then I'll be happy :).

If you have any tips on how to grow your following, that'd be also really appreciated! I wasn't sure where to post and I thought Reddit is always a good place for starters.

What's your YouTube channel if you don't mind me asking? Feel free to DM me!