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*EARLY ACCESS* i'm getting worse (autoimmune update)

About a year ago, Zach got diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Here's how he's been doing since.  Password below.

https://vimeo.com/289135795









PW: muffin


Comments

How, though? I have multiple "invisible" illnesses and just.... How do you find the strength to decide every single day to keep going?

River N

My good thoughts are with you. Got back on your horse. Relapse is a tough bugger.

Randall M Bell

I’ve never wanted Zach to sign meh teet so bad! Such a rockstar!!!

Jessica K. McLeod

Stay strong, Zach!

rebelwings

I understand what you are going through as I also have some difficulty with health issues and am also a registered nurse, and witness the struggle of others. You are not alone!

Rokufox

So proud of you, Zach. It's okay to not be perfect. It's okay to be lazy sometimes, to fall off track with your therapies, to be angry and resentful at your situation. But we love you and think you're perfect despite it all. Big hugs.

Christine Adriana -- Nurse Joy

you are so inspiring Zach!

Amanda

❤️❤️❤️

Crtny EP

Fantastic video

Mairéad

I don't know if you guys read these, but I have a congenital chronic disease that literally nearly killed me eight years ago. The doctors were amazed I was still alive. The last few years have seen some major ups and downs that have made it physically hard for me to get back into the physical activity that helps make sure I stay alive, but I found a kickass personal trainer and just have to make the commitment to start working with her. I have been putting it off because I've been afraid, frankly. Afraid that I can't do it or stick to it, that I'll fail. I think I'll email her tomorrow.

flibbertygibbette

I love you Zach... We all have shit to deal with. I have a low tolerance for people who think ignoring their health will make it go away. My aunt was careless in taking care of her diabetes, which caused her to have multiple strokes. Now my family takes care of her full-time. She had the opportunity to get better, but she again ignored her doctor's recommendations. She now has kidney failure and it's only a matter of time. She made herself a burden to my loved ones because she wouldn't fucking take care of herself. We are born with the bodies we are given. You make the most of it, or it will be taken away. I hope that you continue on the path to take care of yourself and bringing joy to your audience. If you start feeling sorry for yourself again, give yourself a 2-minute pity party and get back to living.

Gail Nott

I love that you shared this. Being a high functioning epileptic with acute sound sensitivity whose triggers are modified sugars I can handle about half a teaspoon a day before I have a seizure and technology basically. Certain types of cell phones, computers new cordless land line phones, tablets etc. Oh and some types if security cameras. It is hard to not get lazy sometimes we are human. Thank you though for sharing your story. It really is a rollercoaster, especially with invisible diseases. Making yourself a priority and living your life to the fullest is hard but worth the effort. I have been diagnosed for 10 years now and I still make time for my favourite things. Physically sometimes the cost is high, but living a full life is worth the worst flair ups. I too was getting worse. But have stabilized. Keep digging for alternatives. I have had to fight to try to get some of mine done under a physician's care but when it did happen (diet changes helped me a bit) even if it gave me just five more minutes to talk in the phone with a friend who lives far away it was worth it. Keep fighting and looking out and after you. No else can. You are the only. I love The Try Guys they make me laugh and smile. Even on days when I can only be on my phone for about an hour total that day (that is the only tech I have) Those are the days I make the most out of it and it usually involves a video of The Try Guys. Thanks again for sharing and a big shout out to The Try Guys for making the world a happier place one video at a time.

Nicole Gammel

"I'm getting worse ... but I'm getting better"? "Well, then I'm happy and sad for you." My favorite movie quote (Lazlo Hollyfeld, "Real Genius"). (Hey, his name ends in "feld" too!) Seriously, Zach, this video is all kinds of awesome with all the feels and some roller-coaster action of both sorts. When you were in bed I was like OMG is Zach going to cry, my little puffed-up heart is just too full. I feel like you not only made a great example for people with auto-immune diseases and other medical conditions, but also for people who just should live healthier lives. I know that watching all the things you're doing made me think, hey, I should get into yoga, etc. I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, and the main basic stuff you can do is lose weight and use the machine. Losing weight (which has all sorts of other benefits) is a struggle for a lot of people, and I'm one of those with a lousy sense of future so I am always in "next week" mode. You've inspired me to think more about taking some of those steps. I'm really happy for you that you've found your way to living a healthier life. You're my favorite Try Guy for a number of reasons, one of which is that a lot of what you think and feel and experiences resonates with me, but also that you're adorable and earnest and have that sense of "oh my god" wonder about everything, including a giant clitoris. I wish you the best!

Laurie Swenson

Zach, thank you so much for being so honest and vulnerable to us in this video. I am also in my 20s and have a chronic pain disorder (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and a few other invisible illness. Even though I had known and suspected I had this illness since I was a teen, formally being diagnosed with it was still crushing - part of me always held out hope that it was all in my head or that I would get better. Since that time, I had to make some career decisions based around my illness and pain and it was so incredibly disheartening. I am so glad you are confronting your illness head on and making your health your first priority! I started focusing on exercise in the last few months and it has made things so much better. I am so happy you are spreading awareness about invisible illnesses and how managing them is a daily reality for those of us that have them.

Panda

<3

Caitlan Gannam

WE LOVE YOU ZACH! Proud Kornbuddies <3

Kesiah

This is beyond amazing! It is so important for anyone with an autoimmune disease to tackle it just like this stay on top of meds, treatment and seeing a doctor as soon as you feel like something isnt quite right (I annoy my specialist a bit but have caught flares of my own in early stages that kept me out of the hospital). Its also important for those without to have a glimpse into someones life who does. Thank you for being so open and honest! I also have an autoimmune disease (Crohn's) and it is so hard to explain to people that I dont feel well and that I am in pain when I look okay from the outside. You rock!

Sheila Cook

thanks, zach.

Natasha Dawn

It really is great to hear more about this. I myself suffer from an autoimmune disease known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and for about three years since my official diagnosis I have been trying to push myself to act normal for the sake of others as well as my pride. This video however is helping me to come to terms with more of the situation. And if ever you would like ideas for Autoimmune Disease diets I have plenty. Always rooting for you.

Amelia J. Tyrer

You go, Zach! You keep kicking that autoimmune disease in the ass! Keep rocking it. You’re awesome.

Izzy Enby

Thank you for being real. For showing the world your pain and that sometimes there’s no easy answer or quick fix.

Catherine Greene

Thank you so much ZachI've recently been diagnosed with chronic headaches/migraines and still coming to terms what its like to have an invisible illness. I have been having this feeling of hopelessness and fear that I will never know what normal is again. So on behalf of all of us with invisible illnesses, thank you for sharing your story and showing us that we are not alone. It really means a lot

Katelyn Tomas

I just love how the try guys instead of bragging and trying to show up, they are real and willing to try normal every day activities. I hope Zack gets better this is a very cool video.

Catalina Monsalve

Just a side note Zach, stress can flare up auto immune diseases badly. My Mom has Systemic Lupus and Fibromyalgia. She turned 75 on Weds and continues to learn from her auto immune disease. We both know if she over dose it, she will need to rest for 4 days. That's the hardest thing for her to accept, so that's one thing you need to remember--all of you--it's OK if your body needs to rest. Just remember, life is about balancing the bodies needs.

Darkhorse3211

Best video to date. This is such a strong statement, not just to those with A.S, but anything. Life is what we make of it, and when you suffer from a physical or mental health condition, we have to work a million times harder at just living. But, we are living. So when we don't want to get up, or don't want to work out, you nailed it--we do it. I've embarked on my own physical fitness journey and having been an athlete in the past, and to a degree still am, it's a hard pill to swallow when you are much heavier, older and tired. This advice is excellent because once it becomes routine, it doesn't feel as much like work. Your body was meant to move, and it needs to move.

Darkhorse3211

You are amazing zach. Putting yourself out there like this, admitting you have a disease is hard enough, but to admit that you aren't perfect about handling the disease is encouraging and amazing. You are easily the strongest of the try guys just from your ability to put up with AS and not let it stop you from living life. I hope you start a charity event for research into a cure for AS. I live in LA and would love to attend a walk, or donate, or both. You have a great voice and ability to show your story so that even those who dont know what AS is can understand and sympathize. I would love to see more about your journey, more videos about your workouts or diet or struggle. Keep getting the word out and I promise you will have support. Stay strong, you really are amazing.

Swayze

Thank you. Thank you so much for this. I mentioned in chat back the first day about how your first video lead me to seeking out a doctor for my own pain issues. I had been ignoring my ongoing pain for so long I didn't even realize it wasn't normal to ache all the time, but it finally progressed to a point that it was affecting my daily life and your video saved me in so many ways. And today this was exactly what I needed again. Just last night I was out with friends and pushing myself to the point I barely slept because I had done too much, I barely ate because I gave in to their wants instead of my anti-inflammatory dietary needs. I had spent months in PT getting to the point I felt good again and as soon as I did I returned to my old ways and got worse again. Pain, brain fog, depression creeping back. After watching this, I feel ready to stick to my guns and take care of myself again. I am more important than someone's opinion of me when I say I can't eat at a certain restaurant. Thank you so much. You've saved me twice now. I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me. 🥄

Ally.C

Zach, I'm so so proud of you. I can't begin to understand what that level of pain is like, but I do know what it is like to have mental illness and there have been times where I gave up and just decided not to keep trying. I've been watching these videos for four years now, ever since the beginning. Watching all four of you, but you Zach especially, has helped me to keep going. It doesn't keep getting better always, but you have to keep moving through it. Thank you for sharing so publicly your own struggle and difficulties. Too often, the image presented in the media is that of a linear healing process. But that is accurate for so few people and situations. You have given a different, more true, storyline that many people can relate to and more can use to begin to understand. Thank you for making the world a better place. Your enthusiasm and courage and willpower is inspirational and impressive. I hope you continue to listen to your body and feelings, and to get through each day. Also I really liked the nod to the spoon theory. (you might enjoy some of Jenny Lawson's writing, she talked about chronic illness and such). We are all rooting for you and supporting you

Maggie Terry

My mom has something similar, so I know what it's like second-hand from living with my mom. You're so strong. I can't even imagine the struggle that you and my mom go through everyday

Autumn

Zach I just want to let you know that you're not alone. I have something a little different to your AS, my condition affects my joints & connective tissues. A day without pain sounds utterly implausible. I also know what it's like to drop off things a little, you do yoga every day then maybe you have a bad day and miss it, then that day turns into weeks, and then you feel so much worse for it.. Or staying up too late to work then regretting it the next morning.. I know. Life is a rollercoaster and we're not getting off, we dip and we rise. Stay positive, I know it's hard, and maybe this normal isn't someone elses but that doesn't make it any less valid. Thank you for having the bravery to be so open, I promise you it helps others who also have invisible illnesses.

Hannah

I feel for you. My brother, 30, was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and its progressing fast. He is now on biologic injections. I also test positive for the gene, I'm 31. I dont have back issues but Ive had intense and non abating wrist pain (first in one, now both) since I was 13. I've had 3 surgeries to clear out inflamed tissue. Our rheumatologist does not think I have it and I test negative for arthritis. But from what little data I've found, it seems likely that woman experience the disease in different ways. My brother's treatment for AS seems to be working, he has even begun skateboarding again. Myself on the other hand, the pain in my wrists is work and it has become a struggle to work 40 hours a week at a desk on a computer. The entire month of July I had to drink in order to get some sleep. Your post is comforting, at least I am not alone.

Stef Strosky

Thank you for sharing - it couldn't have been easy. No one's journey is ever easy - and you have one more difficult than most. Keep on going forward. You are loved.l

Cheryl Shoup

Thank you for being so real about the determination it takes to do the things you need to do every day. There is an acceptance these days for people to just say "I'm too lazy to..." and believe that is ok. You kicked that to the curb. Keep kicking, my friend, keep kicking.

Suzanne Green

Zack, you're awesome. It will get better, I promise.

Yana Synogub

It’s lovely to see so much realism about how you’re dealing with this chronic disease. I, too, have been ignoring (different) issues affecting my life. This is really inspiring in a very honest way. And I love the reference to the spoon theory/spoonies at the end.

Zoe Kay

So inspiring! I too am working towards this lifestyle change after finding out I may have an autoimmune disease. It stinks, but it doesn’t have to define us. Go Zack! And go everyone else who’s dealing with anything and trying to make it.

Jerdana Selene

Zach I’m so fucking proud of you for facing it head on and working on your health. I don’t have an autoimmune disease, but I have acid reflux and if I don’t take my medication regularly it can affect my sleeping and my daily activities (if food is involved) so I kind of understand. Also this made me fuckin cry how dARE YOU

Allie Soliman

We love you Zachyyyyy.... You are amazing, keep kicking ass, follow your treatment and you'll be ok even if you are not ok sometimes. This kinda diseases are terrible, they are there forever with you. I have a muscular dystrophy that I genetically inherited from my dad, and because I was young when they discovered it I started physiotherapy quite young, but I wasn't doing any sports coz some of them were gonna push me to a dangerous limit. I was called weak for my skinny appearence and my dystrophy A LOT. I believed all those pple, i was weak, I couldn't do anything about it, and that was that. One day it dawned on me that all of that was BS, so I took control of my body, and I achieved things I was always told I was too frail to do. I have days that I'm out of breath, but i know now how to do my breathing exercises to get back to being ok. And I went to Machu Picchu this year and visit other sites that were testing me hard, and I took my time and did it! Proud of you Zach!!!

Gabs87

That was so damn inspiring. Your words and actions will inspire so many people! Kick it’s ass Zach! We all stand with you!

SavvyBunny

So fuckin proud of you Zach. Kick its ass ♥

Sweetz (GFPR)

YASSS ZACH!!!!! IM CRYING GREAT VIDEO DADDY!!!

Claire

Thanks for being such an inspiration.

Isabella A.

Big ol' spoony hugs! I have depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, ADHD, IBS, and something truly weird going on with my L5/S1 vertebrae (they're degenerating). Not being in denial about having disabilities is a huge first step to actually managing them well. (PS: you live in a legal cannabis state... go get yourself some CBD for pain management!) I'm also in the midst of starting a business while disabled, but by myself instead of with my three best friends. You're not alone, you make a difference, and you are so dear to so many people. Never give up.

Mickey Blake

Thank you for this Zach! I have PCOS, hypothyroidism, depression/anxiety, and an abnormal amount of stomach acid. I had accepted what my medicine was doing for me was enough. But this past week I’ve been working out regularly and starting to track my food again. This was just the video I needed to know that this week was worth it and that I need to accept my conditions and make living a healthier life my life, not a fad or a diet, but my everyday, regular life. Thanks so much for sharing, and good luck on your journey!!

Abbie Lankitus

Zach, this was incredibly inspiring. I have a hormone condition that effects my weight and my fertility, and the number of times I’ve said, “I just want to be normal...”... I’m not. I never will be. And you have inspired me to embrace it and embrace the search for my new normal. Thank you. <3

Maggie Santoski

You are amazing. Anyone with chronic pain for any reason are fighters. invisible illnesses are their own special brand of garbage. So happy to see you live life to the fullest for yourself and for everyone who looks up to you. xo

Christobear

Spoony for life!!!! I have LPHS - loin pain hematuria syndrome and live with a baseline pain everyday and take meds everyday and it feels never ending. I’m not my disease though! I won’t let my disease define me. Zach you got this!!! Flare ups are the worst. I pray you have some comforting days ahead!

Erica Amaya (Coronado)

I don’t have an autoimmune disease, but I have had arthritis since I was about 12 years old. Now at 22 it’s in almost all of my joints and some days I can hardly move without wanting to cry. Through a copious supply of Tylenol and heat packs I manage to power through work. Like you I’m lucky if I get even 4 hours of sleep a night. It’s not s wonderful life but it’s still life.

Raychel Devon

You are a warrior! You're so strong and deciding to try and fight back is the most inspiring thing I've ever seen. You keep at it and live your life as best as you can! Don't give up! We love you, Zach!

Courtney Welch

FUCK ok I’m crying in class and I’ve never felt more inspired and amazed by anyone in such a long time. I had really bad scoliosis as a kid and recently had surgery to fix it and I’ve lost all my motivation to try to get better but because of this I feel like it’s time to take my mom up on her offer to take me to physical therapy and fix my back problems before they get any worse. Thank you Zach for being the inspiring kick in the ass I needed <3

ElleryKaye

I’m crying so much at this video right now!! 💙 I had the first flare-up of my Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy for the first time in 3 years yesterday after being relatively symptom-free. You inspire me in so many ways and I’m going to recommit to taking care of my body too!! Thank you always for sharing your story with us

Claire Ousey

Beautiful vid. Thanks for sharing your journey, Zach, and reminding us to kick the ass of whatever our version of AS is. ❤️

Anisa Cooper

Love you Zach!!! 💙💙💙💙

Shana McCord

Zach sending the biggest, warmest virtual hug ever and you ARE going to kick the disease in its buttttttttt! 💚🔥🔥🔥 thanks for sharing your story!

Cindy Fransisca

Hi I’m actually crying at this vid, thanks for sharing your experience. I myself am currently looking for my own diagnosis of my fucked up health while also dealing with the fact that my depression is getting worse because of my unknown illness. It’s nice to see someone admit that it’s hard and that not everything is cured by diet and exercise. Thank you Zach. 😊

Bella

Great to hear you’re taking up exercise and facing it head on. I have arthritis in my hip and both knees and I’m only 38. I get the pain, the not sleeping, the people not understanding how much the pain is.

Kate Curley

Honestly I love this video. I have a condition called Charcot Marie Tooth and it’s the most common hereditary neurological disease in the world but nobody has heard of it so it’s hard to get treatment. It’s great to see that you’re using your immense platform to raise awareness and bring some hope and joy to disabled people, especially those of us with invisible disabilities. Thankyou❤️

Emma Bateman

This genuinely brought a tear to my eye. And I felt inspired, which rarely happens to me when watching youtube videos like this. Way to go, Zach.

Baudlairean


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