Conversation guide
If you think or know AS is holding you back or impacting your life, it could be time to get back to the doctor for a conversation about how you’re managing your ankylosing spondylitis and your goals.
Download the conversation guide to make the most of your appointment.
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Why download this guide?
The Back Yourself Conversation Guide helps you define your goals and supports productive conversations with your rheumatologist and healthcare team about how to get back to doing the things you love.
The guide aims to help you have clear and honest conversations with your doctor about how AS is impacting your life. Even if it’s been a while since your last appointment, sharing your goals with confidence is the first step to taking control of AS.
Your rheumatologist is your best ally in taking control of AS. However, you can also use this guide to have good conversations with any healthcare professional who helps you manage your AS.
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How to talk about managing AS
Here are three ways to back yourself when talking to your doctor about how AS is impacting your life:
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Think about the key things you want your rheumatologist and/or healthcare team to know.
It can be a challenge to remember everything all at once. Try to think about the key things you’d like to share so your doctor knows what’s most important to you. Think about the life you want to live and some realistic goals you’d like to achieve. You can then work with your doctor to develop a shared management plan to help you work towards achieving those goals.
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Write down things you want to ask.
Writing down your questions and checking them off as you go will help ensure you cover what’s important.
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Bring everything you need.
If you’ve had x-rays or scans or blood tests etc., it’s a good idea to take the copies and results with you to the appointment. If you have them with you, it means your doctor can look at them there and then and it will mean you can make the most of your appointment.
Also, remember a specialist referral is only valid for 12 months so it’s a good idea to check when you make an appointment if you need a new referral from your GP.
Ready to take control of AS?
Your rheumatologist and healthcare team are your best allies in taking control of AS. It doesn’t matter whether it’s been one or many years since your diagnosis with AS, it’s never too late.
If you think AS is holding you back or impacting your life, it’s time to talk to your rheumatologist about your goals and how you’re managing. Don’t let AS hold you back, take control.
Download the guide to help you make the most out of your conversations with your doctors.
Download the Conversation GuideDownload the Conversation Guide