Tessa Quinn
Zach Kornfeld, one of the four Try Guys, has been open about his struggles with autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Kornfeld has shared his journey to receiving a diagnosis, which took several years, in a video titled I Have an Autoimmune Disease. In the video, he discusses how his chronic back problems were initially ignored by doctors and later misdiagnosed as scoliosis. Kornfeld's diagnosis brought relief, and he began treatment with a biologic called Humira. However, in a subsequent video, I'm Getting Worse (Autoimmune Update), he shared that his condition had deteriorated. Kornfeld's experience highlights the challenges of living with an invisible illness and the importance of advocating for one's health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hospital visit | Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) |
| Diagnosis | Autoimmune disease |
| Symptoms | Chronic back pain, inflammatory arthritis of the lower back, hips, and other joints |
| Treatment | Started a biologic called Humira |
| Time to Diagnose | Several years |
| Video | "I Have an Autoimmune Disease" |
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What You'll Learn
Zach Kornfeld's autoimmune disease
Zach Kornfeld, a member of the popular internet comedy group 'The Try Guys', has been open about his struggles with an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). In September 2017, he shared his diagnosis in a video titled "I Have an Autoimmune Disease," where he discussed his years-long journey to receiving an official diagnosis. Kornfeld's chronic back problems were initially dismissed by doctors and later misdiagnosed as a minor form of scoliosis. However, this did not explain the severe back pain he experienced daily.
Kornfeld's symptoms likely began much earlier than he realised. He recalls having back pain as early as second or third grade and experiencing a significant worsening of pain in high school, with his hips being particularly affected. After being referred to a rheumatologist and undergoing an MRI, he finally received his Ankylosing Spondylitis diagnosis, which affects under 1% of the population.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can progressively damage joints in the body, especially the spine. In some cases, it can even cause the spine to fuse into a column of rigid bone. AS is also a systemic disease, meaning it can impact the whole body, leading to fatigue, cognitive impairment, sleep impairment, and damage to multiple organs. There is currently no cure for AS, so treatment focuses on reducing inflammation to slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms.
Kornfeld's video about his diagnosis and subsequent updates have had a significant impact, with many viewers relating to his experience and finding comfort in his honesty. Kornfeld's message to others going through similar journeys is to "be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and afford yourself some patience."
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Misdiagnosis and doctors' dismissal
Zach Kornfeld, a member of the internet comedy group "The Try Guys," has been open about his struggles with an autoimmune disease called ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In a video titled "I Have an Autoimmune Disease," Zach revealed that his journey to receiving a proper diagnosis was challenging and lengthy.
Kornfeld experienced chronic back problems from a young age, which doctors initially dismissed as frailty or the result of carrying multiple textbooks in his backpack. After a car accident in the fourth grade, his doctors and family attributed his persistent pain to the physical trauma of the incident. However, the pain worsened significantly in high school, affecting his hips and back.
Despite his daily struggles with tremendous back pain, Kornfeld's concerns were often dismissed or minimised by medical professionals. His chronic back problems were misdiagnosed as a minor form of scoliosis, which could not explain the severity of his symptoms. Kornfeld shared his feelings of self-doubt and frustration during this period, questioning if the pain was "all in his head."
It wasn't until Kornfeld was referred to a rheumatologist and underwent an MRI that he finally received the official diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. This autoimmune disease affects less than 1% of the population and causes inflammatory arthritis of the lower back, hips, and other joints. For Kornfeld, receiving an accurate diagnosis was a relief, and he began treatment with a biologic medication called Humira.
Kornfeld's experience highlights the challenges faced by many individuals with invisible illnesses. The process of obtaining a correct diagnosis can be lengthy and fraught with missteps, as symptoms may be overlooked, dismissed, or attributed to other factors. Kornfeld's story underscores the importance of advocating for one's health and seeking multiple opinions when necessary.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms
Zach Kornfeld, a member of the internet comedy group "The Try Guys", has Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). In a video titled "I Have an Autoimmune Disease," Zach revealed that he had been experiencing chronic back problems for years, which doctors initially ignored or misdiagnosed as scoliosis. However, the severe back pain persisted, and after seeing a rheumatologist and undergoing an MRI, he received his official diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in certain parts of the spine and large joints, resulting in stiffness and pain. The word "ankylosing" means stiff or rigid, "spondyl" refers to the spine, and "itis" indicates inflammation. This condition typically affects the spine and the sacroiliac joint between the spine and the hipbone. It can also cause bony bridges to form between vertebrae, fusing the bones, and this may also occur in the chest.
The symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis vary among individuals and can come and go over time, sometimes worsening or improving at irregular intervals. The main symptoms include back pain and stiffness, which are usually more pronounced in the morning and at night, often disrupting sleep. The pain may be alleviated by exercise but tends to worsen with rest. Other symptoms include fatigue, neck pain, appetite and weight loss, mild eye inflammation, and digestive issues such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. In some cases, AS can lead to organ damage, affecting the heart, lungs, and eyes.
There is currently no cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis. However, treatments are available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, biologic medicines, interleukin-17A inhibitors, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications, and short-term use of corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers. Surgery may also be an option in some cases.
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Chronic pain management
Zach Kornfeld, a co-star of the channel "The Try Guys", has been open about his chronic pain journey. In his video "I Have an Autoimmune Disease," Zach revealed that he has an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis, which affects under 1% of the population. He experienced chronic back problems from a young age, which were initially ignored by doctors and later misdiagnosed as scoliosis. Kornfeld emphasised the impact of self-doubt during his years-long journey to receiving an official diagnosis.
Chronic pain, such as that experienced by Zach Kornfeld, is longstanding, persisting beyond the usual recovery period or occurring alongside a chronic health condition. It can be extremely costly, impacting income, productivity, and quality of life. The complete elimination of chronic pain is often unattainable, so treatment goals typically focus on reducing pain, maximising function, and improving overall quality of life.
Effective management strategies for chronic pain may include medical management with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Over-the-counter options can be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or acetaminophen. Stronger prescription pain medications, including opioids, are reserved for more severe pain due to their potential for abuse and dangerous side effects. Antidepressants can also be beneficial, as they increase the supply of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are important neurotransmitters in pain-controlling pathways in the brain. Additionally, heat and cold treatments can reduce stiffness and pain, especially in joint problems.
It is important to be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and be patient during the chronic pain journey. This self-care aspect of pain management is crucial in preventing pain and promoting overall health.
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The impact of Zach's video
Zach Kornfeld is a co-star of the channel "The Try Guys" and "The Try Pod". He is an author, director, producer, digital creator, and performer with a witty sense of humour. In his videos, Zach has been outspoken about his autoimmune disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and his journey to receiving a diagnosis. In one of his videos titled "I Have an Autoimmune Disease," Zach discussed his years-long struggle to get a proper diagnosis, as his chronic back problems were initially ignored or misdiagnosed.
Additionally, Zach's videos have connected him with a supportive community of fans and followers who have shown concern for his health and well-being. Some viewers have shared their own experiences with similar health issues, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding. This support extended to his hospital stay, where fans respected his privacy while also expressing their well-wishes.
However, there have also been instances where Zach's videos and public image have been met with criticism and scrutiny. During his hospital stay, some fans expressed disappointment with the lack of communication from the Try Guys channel about Zach's absence, leading to community grumblings. Additionally, Zach's outspoken support for COVID restrictions and his subsequent actions, such as attending a boat party, have been controversial. Some fans felt that he fed into misinformation about lockdowns and masks, impacting their perception of him.
Despite the mixed reactions, Zach's videos have undoubtedly played a role in shaping public perceptions of him and his health journey. They have sparked important conversations about invisible illnesses and autoimmune diseases, connecting him with a supportive community. At the same time, the scrutiny and criticism he has faced also highlight the challenges of sharing personal experiences publicly, particularly when navigating sensitive topics like health and the pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
Zach Kornfeld was not hospitalised. However, he did receive a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disease, after years of chronic back pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can progressively damage joints in the body, especially in the spine, and in some cases cause the spine to fuse into a column of rigid bone.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a systemic, or whole-body, disease; so it can cause fatigue, cognitive impairment, sleep impairment, and damage multiple organs in the body.
Ankylosing Spondylitis affects under 1% of the population.
