I too have been diagnosed with DISH fairly recently. After reading several of the posts on this site, I am feeling vindicated but also saddened about this disease. I agree that so many have never even heard of it and I for one as a healthcare professional had never heard of it either until I was diagnosed with it and started reading. I have many of the aches and pains and have complained about my joints for years. I would say it’s probably close to 25 years that I knew of heel spurs on the bottom of both heels and on the back of both heels. So I was in my mid to late 20’s. I have had other issues in my body as well including heart surgery which I now am wondering if DISH or my hyper parathyroidism, post one parathyroid removed, may have played a part in my heart issues. I am being treated for my back with injections and now going to start physical therapy for bilateral gluteal tendon tears. When you tell people about it, including healthcare professionals, or the general public, they look at you almost as if they don’t believe you or that you’re crazy. It’s just that people don’t know. I wish there was more recognition for this disease. So I continue to work and try to stay as active as possible. It’s difficult for me because I always found myself being very busy but now very painful to do some of the simplest things I used to do without thinking of it. I thank all of you for your posts!