A.S. Face 0597: Tracy-Anne Ganzer

Hi everyone I have been diagnosed with AS for about 12 years. I was relieved at the time of diagnosis because I finally had a name for all of the strange and persistent symptoms that I had been experiencing my whole life. It was not just “all in my head” as some doctors seem to say if they can’t figure out what’s wrong with you! I have to thank my local GP at the time. He had just taken over the practice and as soon as I walked in for my first visit, he took one look at my penguin waddle and sent me for tests. Over the last 10 years I have been a little complacent as my condition settled down only rearing it’s ugly head for short bursts that resolved fairly quickly. However in the last 12 months I have started experiencing some complications that at first didn’t realise were related to AS (in my defence no health professional realised it either…) so I am now taking charge of my health again. First line of defence is changing my diet to be a lot healthier and demanding action from the health fraternity. I have my first rheumy appointment for a long time next week so wish me luck and if anyone has some advice and which questions I “MUST” ask please feel free to share

Australia

3 Responses to “A.S. Face 0597: Tracy-Anne Ganzer”

Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry to hear that you have experienced worsening/new AS symptoms over the past year, and I hope that your rheumy appt next week goes well.

Kim Daniels said this on September 7, 2012 at 3:08 pm | Reply
Welcome Tracy! First off, I’m gonna award you this weeks “cutest puppy award! (yes you are, yes you are). Advice? When the Doctor walks in to the examining room, shakes your hand and says ” how are you”, don’t reply with the standard “I’m doing good !” It’s downhill from there. I’m only kidding of course, but I swear they make up their examining mind within the first few seconds! Instead, if you feel crappy, then say “I feel crappy.” That gets their attention. The exam room is no place for putting on brave FACE’s. If you hurt, say I hurt. If you would like something for the pain…say “I’d like something for the pain.” I remember when I asked for my first tylenol-3 script (codiene), I was like “I don’t want to sound like a junkie but…”, He said “no problem, here you go, just call the nurse for refills…”

Which brings me to my second advice. “Work the nurses!!” If somethin isn’t right or isn’t working…call the nurse. Of course she’s not sitting there answering the phone, so leave a message, and they’ll get back to you. Don’t “tough it out” until your next appointment! If you need a refill, call the nurse, don’t make an appointment.

Which brings me to my third bit of advice. Always have the pharmacy “mail” you the refill. (ps-if you need a refill, you can also ask the pharmacy to call the doc, instead of calling the nurse.) Use the “touch tone” option when calling the pharmacy and type in your RX #. I have literally never been to my pharmacy in years.

Derek said this on September 7, 2012 at 10:06 pm | Reply
Dear Tracy,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has A.S. said this on September 11, 2012 at 10:38 am | Reply

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