I'm Pamela Johnson, and I have a disease called Ankylsing spondylitis. In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. I'm in the later stages of this disease. I have severe ankylosing spondylitis, new bone forms as part of the body's attempt to heal. This new bone gradually bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae. Those parts of the spine become stiff and inflexible. Fusion also can stiffen the rib cage, restricting lung capacity and function.

My other complications include:

Eye inflammation, called uveitis.

I also have compression fractures. Some people's bones weaken during the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. Vertebral fractures can put pressure on and possibly injure the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through the spine.

Heart problems. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause problems with the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The inflamed aorta can enlarge to the point that it distorts the shape of the aortic valve in the heart, which impairs its function. The inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis increases the risk of heart disease in general.

I am going to have to have a third and final major surgery with a significant recovery time so I don't lose the ability to walk. I have been struggling for some time with medical bills, time off work, everyday expenses and tasks.