Hi and welcome to KA! Sorry to hear that you have AS, but I am glad that you finally know what is going on and can get treatment.
I have to agree with you...there is no better way to get info than straight from the horses mouth. This is why I chose to do my book the way I am, so others can learn more about AS from our experience and what it's like to have AS from people who live with it day after day. I always said that the info here at KA is better than 100 doctors put together. It wasn't until I came here that I learned so much. And even after I learned a lot, I chose to stick around for so many years, because the support is awesome!
Anyway, as for your questions. Chris and Leslie has given some great advice.
Research and learn as much as you can about the drugs and talk to your doctor about how you feel. Open and honest communication is one of the best things to have with any and all of your doctors. And if you practice this right from the beginning then you'll always know where they stand and them you. A good doctors visit is one that never leaves you guessing when you walk out of the office.
Having an active role in your own healthcare is the best way to go. That's why researching and learning as much as you can about AS and the treatment options will help you in making good decisions for yourself. Also, when you don't totally agree with something your doctor says, he or she will see that your knowledgable enough to know what is best for you.
No matter what drug you choose to try, they all have side effects, but some not as bad as others. Like Chris said, how aggressive you choose to treat it depends on how aggressive the disease is right now. Even though some people choose to take more aggressive steps before the disease gets to that point. But one never knows if it ever even will get aggressive enough to warrant more aggressive treatment...it's a chance some take. That's why learning all the options and knowing your body well is important.
Whatever your decision I hope it works well for you.
Hope to see you around here often...I'm sure the more you hang around here, the easier it'll all become.
Hugs,
Lisa