Living with ankylosing spondylitis - Michael Fennelly's story

Eight times All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny and Offaly senior hurling manager, Michael Fennelly, was just 20 when he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and he has been living with the painful condition for the past 16 years. AS is a form of inflammatory arthritis, which mainly affects the spine, but can also cause pain and/or swelling in the shoulders, hips, knees, heels, chest/ribs and small joints of the hands and feet. Playing sport at the highest level, the stiffness and pain caused by AS in his back and neck began to create major difficulties for Michael, given the massive physical demands of the game. Remaining injury-free and being able to train and compete with the Kilkenny senior hurling team was his priority at the cost of getting fitter, stronger and more powerful. Despite his best efforts, there were some days when the pain and stiffness in Michael’s back threatened his ability to play. This video is produced as part of an awareness campaign about ankylosing spondylitis called Back in Action. For more information on this campaign visit https://www.arthritisireland.ie/backi... It is supported by Novartis. Further information about ankylosing spondylitis is available at https://www.arthritisireland.ie #MichaelFennelly #ankylosingspondylitis #arthritis