



The Ankylosing Spondylitis Support Forums

Hello and welcome to KickAS, the best source of support and information for those suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis, the associated spondyloarthropathies, Rheumatoid Arthritis and related ailments.

Our mandate is to provide a safe, supportive place for individuals and their loved ones to share with, and learn from, the experience of others coping with chronic inflammatory arthritis. Ultimately, our goal is to close this site for lack of AS sufferers but in the meantime we are deeply committed to KICKIN' AS!.



As suggested in this post by one of our members, the KickAS discussion forums are much more than just another Ankylosing Spondylitis resource. Our greatest asset is our world-wide membership of over 10,000 people! Questions, answers and opinions are all shared in our busy forums. Membership is free of charge and free from advertising.



Among the vast amounts of information you will find the love, laughter and encouragement that makes this place a second home for many of us and our friends and family. But don't take our word for it, come and explore for yourself....





"Have you ever felt like the piece of the puzzle that just didn't fit? Turn it around every which way, it looks like it should fit, but it just doesn't. I feel like this all the time. To say that my puzzle piece fits here would be an all too perfect oversimplification of the truth. The truth instead is that we all bring our own puzzle pieces here, and somehow they just work together. Together they create some beautiful mosaic much more colourful and vibrant than the puzzles each of the pieces originally came from.



That's how I feel here, like I am part of something much bigger than I could ever hope to be or achieve on my own. When I feel weak, I find strength. When I feel sad, I find laughter. When I feel hopeless, I find hope. Thank you for that."



Ankylosing Spondylitis Medical Centre

The Medical Center contains important information that you may choose to use in your ongoing management of the disease. The Ankylosing Spondylitis patient guidebook has invaluable information on daily exercises and stretches, and the Pain Map will help you to communicate your inflamed joints to your doctor more effectively.

Diet Centre

In 1982 at the Middlesex Hospital in London, Professor Alan Ebringer and his team began trials to assess the effectiveness of a new dietary approach to treating AS. A good deal of success has been reported by many AS patients enjoying great relief when following this diet. In this section you'll find the dietary recomendations, various notes and several of the papers Prof. Ebringer published on his theories of molecular mimicry and autoimmunity.

Support Centre

Our largest support area is our forums ( http://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm ) where people from around the world can ask questions and get feedback from any questions they wish to ask. The World Map indicates the location of our registered members as of July 2000, and reemphasizes that you are not alone in your battle with this disease. Here you will also find fellow ASKickers stories, and other writings to make you smile or provide you with the inspiration you need.



1. We are free to join

2. No dues

3. No subscriptions

4. No advertising!

5. No mass emails

6. No costs whatsoever

7. Member to member support



*Medical Disclaimer*:



KickAS and its contributors are not legally liable for the content, information or opinions expressed herein.

Nothing communicated in any KickAS.org discussion forum should be construed as medical advice, regardless of the source.

Knowledge shared at KickAS.org is of a personal and not professional nature. Points of interest gained from this site should be discussed with your physician or specialist before making any change to your course of treatment.

In pregnancy, a low carbohydrate diet is potentially harmful to fetal development. Everyone needs a diet that meets their nutritional needs. If in doubt consult a qualified dietician.

