Interview with Mick's daughter from a Crue website:
CC: Stormy, we also learnt about Micks disease in The Dirt, Ankylosing Spondylitis, or A.S. as they call it. I understand that you also suffer from this disease as well.
SD: Right.
CC: Can you tell us a bit about what its like day to day to have such a disease? [You can also learn more about this disease here]
SD: Day to day for me; I get up and Im very stiff. Im like hunched over a bit. I get up and immediately take my meds to un-stiffen. There are certain tasks that I cant do by myself, like mopping the floor. Its really strenuous and hard on me. I can fold the laundry. Greg basically does it but he brings out the baskets to me, and me and Shandi fold clothes together. For the most part I can do everything else.
CC: Excellent. How is your Dads condition at the moment? Just how sick is he?
SD: I had to fight back every single tear at Christmas time because he looked like death. [crying] Im sorry
CC: Thats OK. Just take a moment
SD: He was just
He looked grey, you know. He couldnt even wear his black wristband cause it would look like it would just fall right off him.
CC: Right. OK.
SD: He was so thin.
CC: Was that the last time you saw him?
SD: That was the last I saw him. You know, Ive got a hold of him every once in a while on the phone but he just
He hides you see? From what Robbie [Mantooth, his fiancée] tells me is he kind of feels guilty about me having it and... but you know, its not his fault! He didnt know!
CC: Yeh exactly. Well it is a hereditary thing isnt it?
SD: Yes it is and its usually a male dominant disease and thats why its so rare [for me].
CC: So is he able to play guitar?
SD: No. Youve gotta know that sucks if he cant pick up. I mean, I had to bring my youngest Chandler around in front of him cause he couldnt turn his neck. He couldnt turn his head. I mean he couldnt even turn his head over to give me a kiss on the cheek or anything... and to hug him, you feel
I cant explain it.
CC: [pauses] Well you mentioned Robbie. Robbie Mantooth. Is she Micks fiancée right? Are they engaged?
SD: Fiancée yeh. Thats what I would call it. I consider her my step-mother. As far as I know they have not gotten married.
CC: I hear that shes a real help to Mick right?
SD: Oh yeh. She is.
CC: In what kind of ways does she support him?
SD: Oh she gets him to his doctors appointments. She gives him like a steroid shot to break down the inflammation in his body, and maintains his medicines so he doesnt take more of one than the other, you know what I mean?
CC: Yeh.
SD: Yeh she helps him with that.
CC: Is she still working on her documentaries a fair bit, or..?
SD: As far as I know she is. As far as I know. I know shes not diving. She cant dive until she gets her ear fixed.
Sounds like Mick is having a rough go of it lately. I wish him all the best.
She now gives herself 2 shots a week and they have helped tremendously. She can function normally and can play with the kids. It is hereditary and is more prevelant in American Indians , so we will see about our kid's chances. Everything we have discovered has pointed to remarkable progress in treating AS and I hope it continues. Sorry to hear about Mars & his daughter....sounds like he's got some bad symptoms...:o(.