Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) which is a form of arthritis can be difficult for anyone to pronounce correctly. Imagine then living with years and years of un-diagnosed pain and hearing that you have AS!

Arthritis is a condition normally associated with people in their 50’s and 60’s. But at the age of 33, author and musician, Dominic Hoey was told he had ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that can lead to fusing of the spine.

Dominic had been suffering back and neck pain for a few years before his diagnosis, but put it down to working as a chef. He was living in Melbourne, cooking for 50 plus hours a week. But the pain kept getting worse until Dominic was no longer able to sleep or stand up unassisted.

Eventually he wound up bed ridden and had to move back home to Auckland and go on the sickness benefit. After 6 months of trying to find answers he received a diagnosis.

Today Dominic has regained much of his mobility thanks to a host of medication, yoga and a healthy diet. He still is unable to turn his neck and has intense pain in both his hips and lower back.

Despite this Dominic is now back making music, performing around the country and working on a number of creative projects. He also teaches poetry and music to teenagers excluded from mainstream education

Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand notes that referral to a rheumatologist, a specialist in arthritis, is essential for a diagnosis of AS.

“With effective treatment AS can be well managed. Exercise and pharmaceuticals play an equally important role in managing AS. Modern biological therapies for AS are now used for patients where other drugs no longer work. These new treatments can prevent spinal degeneration, which is irreversible,” said Sandra.