Hi Speechliss
It's always difficult to receive a diagnosis of a disease even though you probably guessed way before it was confirmed. And being young too it is not easy. I was in early 20's and got aggressive RA. Changed my life.
And medications, yeah they are a pain to take. Side effects are not fun.
If there are lower doses or alternative ways to manage your condition it's good to look at all ways to help.

You aren't whiny. You have a real condition that is challenging to deal with. It's important to receive support and understanding but also encouragement to tell you that you can do this.
I understand it's hard to accept at first and that will take time.
In time you will adapt and find ways to live with the disease.
Life maybe different to what you had hoped for but you will be able to live life and make it work for you.
I don't know your family but family are not always the best of support when it comes to illnesses and diseases of a loved one. Why that is I'm not sure. I think they probably do care but don't want to hear about it if that makes any sense. Sometimes there's fear on their part of what it means to them and how it may effect them, they worry if it means a burden upon them, or they feel helpless and wish they could fix it but they can't so they get impatient and insensitive. People are weird sometimes and respond in all kinds of ways.

The main thing is You take care of you. Don't expect loved ones to understand. They probably find it hard to and may never be able to understand or give the support you are looking for. Maybe in time they might.
Groups like this one and other support groups is a good alternative way to receive support. From people who can relate and understand some. You will find strength from within you never knew you had.
Take courage and keep on going.

Its good that you posted. I understand the apprehension of sharing part of your life online. It is a vulnerable feeling. Share only what you feel comfortable with sharing. It is wise not to disclose personal info online. You probably know that.
Also DS does have settings you can make profile private. Etc. can be done from "my account" link on your page.

You aren't alone. This group is not the most active but it's steady and it's a good place to come to.

Maybe there's other support groups specifically for the spondyloarthropathy that also may prove helpful to you.

I wish you the best and hope in time you can reach a more accepting and peaceful place within yourself.

Thankyou naturegirl65.
I appreciate this. I do think its hard on my parents dealing with it and feel worried. But I hardly speak about it.
In saying this, I do think I need to go to my doctor and try a different medication as I think the one im on isn't working.

I Thankyou for your words and caring.

" I do think I need to go to my doctor and try a different medication as I think the one im on isn't working. "

It can be frustrating changing through medications. I went through three or four sets before something started working for my RA. Each one with unique side effects - I felt a bit like I was on a bad amusement park ride and had pain the whole time until we found something effective. Frustrating having to wait weeks and weeks to see if the new applications would be effective. It was sure nice when the Dr found one that worked! It eventually stopped being effective and I had to change again.

The point is, it can be a rough ride HOWEVER it's really worth it when everything comes together! My experience taught me the importance of pain management.

Just keep up the communication with your doctor and do web searches for alternative medicines on your own! (keep your doctor up to date with these too!) Best of luck!

Hi,
Sorry to hear about all your pain and side effects ur going through. Don't worry if u think u sound like a whiny teenager, am 41 and still get whiny days. It can be hard for ur parents to talk about this, not that they don't care but because they feel like they have to be strong for you. You never have to hide ur pain from those of us on here as we all deal w/some form(s) if pain daily. I hope ur doc will help you w/new meds w/less side effects. My prayers go out to you & hope you can find some relief.

I was undiagnosed but symptomatic since my early 20's. I am turning 50 soon. I was told so many times there was nothing wrong. I am still told by others that I am too young for arthritis. what they dont understand is that it doesnt matter how old you are arthritis strikes all ages.

you will find that most of the population just don't get it. Parents are not all knowing. they just want to help, and when you cant help and dont know what to do, its like deer in the headlights. so it comes across all wrong. I am not sure if that makes sense to you.

You are right to seek out others that share your pain. Pain is so insidious. no body can see it, or feel it. there isnt a blood test for doctors to quantify it. Nobody will be able to understand what you are going through like someone who is going through what you are going through.

I hope you are able to find someone around your age going through a similar thing.

I hate the response: you are too young for ... I actually had a nurse tell me that. she had a look of disbelief on her face. But then again I went for 2 and half decades with Doctors telling me there was nothing wrong and that I had no pain.