The peripheral joint thing in women with AS is no myth. For whatever reason, women tend to fuse later than men, but we also tend to have more problems with the peripheral joints, which often makes getting a DX of AS a big uphill climb. We have all the pain but don't show anything radiologically and thus many doctors don't take our complaints seriously.
AS is more often than not asymetrical, as in one ankle, one knee, etc., whereas RA is symetrial, both ankles, knees, etc. The jaw thing is likely TMJ, a common complaint here. I once had a really bad ear infection and delayed seeing a doctor because I thought it was just TMJ making my life a misery again. Have you had any heel pain? Rib pain? Over the past years (more than I'm willing to count or admit to) AS has been a moveable feast, this body part one day, another one another day, but always the back biting me.
As for the left foot, that has been one of my biggest problems for years, found out last year that it's fused
, who knew AS could fuse other joints!!!! Buying shoes is a real challenge for me, good thing I live in Florida and can get by with sandals most of the time.
And welcome to KickAS!!!!
Cheryl
My guy
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. Author Unknown
