A Developer's Journey: Building PainMap to Save Myself from Ankylosing Spondylitis

Keywords: PainMap, AS, Indie Dev, Chronic Pain, Health Aid

I am an indie developer, and also an Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patient of 10 years. This disease is known as "Immortal Cancer." It brings not just physical pain, but long-term mental torture.

Why Build PainMap?

Every doctor visit starts with: "How have you been? Where does it hurt?" I'd vaguely answer: "Okay, back's a bit stiff." But vague descriptions don't help adjust treatment. Pain is subjective and fluid. Last week it was the SI joint; this week it's the cervical spine.

I realized I needed evidence. I needed a clear map to show the doctor exactly what my body endured.

Visualization: Making Pain Visible

The core of PainMap is an interactive 3D body model.

• Tap to Paint: I don't want to write "lower left back near 3rd rib"; I just want to tap that spot.
• Color as Intensity: Dark red for agony, light red for dull ache. Instantly clear.

Only Patients Understand Patients

I added details only patients would appreciate:

• Morning Stiffness Log: A key metric for AS activity.
• Medication Feedback: Tracking biologics or painkillers.
• Privacy First: Due to stigma, I didn't want cloud uploads. PainMap stores everything locally.

PainMap is my tool for self-rescue. I hope it becomes your crutch too. May we all take control in our life with pain.