Ankylosing Spondylitis Xplained

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Ankylosing Spondylitis Xplained

Through storytelling

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Meet Shayne

Hi I'm Shayne. When I was in my 20's I started having troubles with my back. Turns out I had Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

30 years on and I understand my AS so much better now. There are good and bad days but it's important to stay positive and to stay educated on ways to treat your AS.

Medicine X Story

Working as a medical doctor, I realized that far too many patients are confused about their diagnoses, their conditions, and their treatments. There’s a disconnect between the language that doctors use and what everyday people understand. This can make you feel incredibly hopeless and anxious at an often very difficult time in your life.

We believe there is a better way. We believe all patients – regardless of age, gender, culture or condition – should have access to medical information they can understand! Everyone should feel informed and empowered in order to engage with their doctors and be involved in making medical decisions.

This is why Medicine X was created.

 Signature

Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair
Founder, Medicine X

About Ankylosing Spondylitis Xplained

Real People

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Xplained story is based on a real person – Shayne! It reflects his story, his experiences with AS, and his advice to others. There have also been lots of people who contributed along the way with their stories and advice. Thanks to everyone who helped create Ankylosing Spondylitis Xplained!

Our Team

The Medicine X team are doctors, artists, and creative writers who all work to make sure of one thing — the information is easy to understand. No more medical jargon! Everything is correct and up-to-date!

Experts

Some of Australia’s top rheumatologists have reviewed the story to ensure it is spot on in terms of medical information.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Xperts

Check out our experts that have been involved with Ankylosing Spondylitis Xplained!
Photo of A/Prof Paul Bird

A/Prof Paul Bird

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Photo of Dr Lionel Schachna

Dr Lionel Schachna

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Produced in partnership with

CreakyJoints Australia

Our mission is to empower Australians living with arthritis to put themselves at the centre of their own care by talking about their treatment preferences and working in partnership with their healthcare providers. CreakyJoints Australia connects arthritis patients with current and relevant disease-specific information and support, across a spectrum of arthritis conditions via digital media.

 creakyjoints.org.au

Ankylosing Spondylitis Victoria Inc

Ankylosing Spondylitis Victoria Inc is an organisation of people who wish to improve knowledge of  AS and the ability to manage the condition. 

 asvictoria.org

Kindly Supported By

The information provided by Medicine X is of a general nature and is not meant to be exhaustive or apply to your specific medical needs. Any information shouldn’t substitute or overrule the advice, diagnosis or treatment suggested by your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Medicine X websites, apps, email communications or in our communities. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

If you are engaging with Medicine X please note that you’re agreeing to our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy and Data Policy.

© Medicine X 2021. All rights reserved.

A/Prof Paul Bird

Paul Bird has over twenty years’ experience in treating rheumatic disease, with particular expertise in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A/Professor Bird received his medical degree with Honours from the University of Newcastle, and he completed his physician and rheumatology training in Sydney. Pursuing research alongside clinical medicine and patient care, he completed a PhD in 2005 examining MRI in Rheumatoid arthritis, and a Graduate Diploma in MRI. He continues to undertake arthritis research with fellow Australian rheumatologists and with international colleagues.

Dr Lionel Schachna

Dr Schachna is a clinical investigator and runs the spondylitis clinic at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne Australia. After completing his rheumatology training, he completed a post-doctoral fellowship in rheumatology and PhD in clinical investigation at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore USA.