First time caller. Howdy, folks!

Been browsing this sub for a bit and wanted to share my story. I (M29) am diagnosed with some good ol' Ankylosing Spondylitis. Symptoms started when I was 16, wasn't diagnosed until 25 (always just been dismissed by doctors and family). Always been physically hard on my body until finally learning to take care of myself around 23 years old, better late than never.

However, 2 years ago when moving not only my household, but my parents' as well, I pulled something fierce in my neck. I've hurt myself plenty of times before, it'll just heal, right? It did at first, but then some things started happening out of the blue. Constant brain fog, unfocused vision, nonstop fatigue, higher than usual blood pressure (always been a bit elevated, stressful life), slight dizziness/light headedness, passive ringing in ears. The worst has been the irrational anxiety and derealization. I've always been an anxious person, but never anything like this. I started having panic attacks, struggling to function at work or in public, often just struggling to actually 'exist'. I've noticed especially over the past year that the right side of my neck (where I had hurt myself) has progressively gotten more tender and often feels like a live wire that is somehow fueling everything I'm feeling.

After lots of reading, I was sure I had a pinched vagus nerve. I saw a Neuro last month, and an MRI later, she pointed out significant spinal stenosis at C3 and C4. Could this finally be it? Could this be what has made my life hell the past couple years? In a couple weeks, I'll be seeing the neurosurgeon I was referred to. I'm hoping she may be able to finally give me some desperately needed relief, whatever it may be.

I'm just pouring my sob story on here, hoping someone can relate. Thank you to anyone who was willing to listen/read. What has helped you?