I want to first thank all the people here that have helped verify my realities, and the doctor that finally defined my AS! I had been having pain in my hip & groin area for over a yr. My OB GYN thoroughly checked me out... premenopausal. My PC doc said "degenerative issues". I knew of a bulging disc in my lower back, had a cervical disc fusion (neck) in 1990 (at the perfectly healthy, ripe age of 28). The hip that they took the bone plug from has always given me extra issues, & haven't been able to wear heels since. Knees have given me problems off & on through the yrs.

I fell in February, and that "woke up" ailments I hadn't had, amplified those I had times ten and both arms are numbing out. My primary dr did xrays, determined no acute fractures and again said it was an age/degenerative arthritis thing. He recommended I see a rheumatologist.

I took his advice and found one with good reviews. He was very interested in my skin & nails, which are okay, but I found odd. I had no idea, nor would I ever dream skin conditions can me signs of, or be a precursor, of certain forms of arthritis. He also basically said thyroid issues can mimic arthritis. Who knew? He sent me down for labs & a pelvis xray...the one xray I hadn't had, and my hip(s) are really the most painful & troublesome. They drew 7 vials of blood, which kind of alarmed me! One was a thorough thyroid check, the others were a rheumatoid test, something to do with Fibro (which I was diagnosed with about 5 yrs ago & now question if I was misdiagnosed)& a few others I couldn't identify.

My follow up isn't till Wed, but the doc did send me my lab results and briefly went over them with me on the phone. My HPLA-B27 test was high. After researching on my own, and reading everyone's posts here, all my problems over the yrs are now explained. It's like a puzzle coming together. There's the Fibro, IBS, a spell of eczema, one eye that streamed ALL the time (until I started taking the anti-inflammatory he prescribed), the neck surgery with no "reason", various joint & back issues, the fact that my leg pain worse when I'm constipated (that one really made me question if I was crazy) and my inability to sit, stand or move for any length of time.

I'm scared of the future, but so grateful that I have an explanation for everything! I'm also thankful to have found this forum...the bravery I've read of makes me hopeful I too can "KickAS"!!

Thanks for having me!
Leslie

Hi Leslie,
"...like a puzzle coming together..." oh yeah, I know what that is like! So glad you found us here! Welcome! Sorry you are dealing with pain but we are here for you!
All the best,

Hi Leslie, you say you are scared of the future. I totally understand. I was too for many years. But would it help if I say, that even though I haven't become any better, I will still tell you that you do not have to be?
AS has its downsides, but if you get a good specialist and a physiotherapist with knowledge about AS, then there are so many things out there that can help you to live a great and active life. At least you now know what you are up against, which many times make it easier to fight and live with.
I have had AS for a long long time and I understand where your statement comes from. But don't let it take over. As Jan said, the puzzle picture coming together makes sense, but it also will help to show you the direction to go in. Just remember, what works for me may not work for you. Read other peoples advise and then try things out if they make sense to you and find out for yourself how to kick your AS. It is something you can learn to live with.