Short film by Maxim Oprea detailing Jay Fordens journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
My story starts in 2009 when I was diagnosed with an auto immune condition 'Ankylosing Spondylitis' (AS) (ank-ee-lo-zing spon-dee-li-tus), a chronic inflammatory disease that causes severe pain, extreme fatigue, and in some cases debilitating fusion of bones.
The years that followed resulted in a major lifestyle change, no more playing football with my son in the park, going to the gym, running or even travelling long distances.
Although long term immunosuppressant drugs (Humira) and strong painkillers (Tramadol) were prescribed to control the condition, periodic episodes (commonly known as 'flares') would still occur, along with periods of depression and insomnia.
Over the years I became resigned to the fact my condition would only get worse, and simply took each day as it came managing the symptoms.
Fast forward to Jan 2018 when I took the decision to change the way I looked at my illness from a mindset perspective. I began to believe the possibility we are all capable of making significant change to our body, though switching the way we view our situations.
I dropped the 'Victim Mentality', stopped believing this is as good as it gets, and replaced my thought process with a positive attitude where I genuinely believed anything is possible.
MY SECRET WEAPONS
Within 2 months I had reduced my inflammation markers (CRP) from very high to normal, and experienced a significant increase in my physical and mental wellbeing. I had officially put my Ankylosing Spondylitis into remission, something my doctors & hospital were fascinated by.
Then late Dec 2020 and against doctors advice, I made the decision to come off my immunosuppressant drugs. This was potentially a life changing act, as I had been told I should take these drugs for the rest of my life to manage the progression of my condition.
**Please seek medical advice before making any changes to your existing medication**
However I was confident the changes to my lifestyle through mindset change, breathing exercises, acupressure therapy and cold exposure, would continue to keep my Ankylosing Spondylitis at bay.
Thankfully to date I have not experienced any relapse of my condition, or had any negative impact to my health or wellbeing. I truly believe this is down to having a positive mindset and believing in my daily routine.
I managed to change my life for the better, I would love to play a part in changing yours.