THANKS.
It's good to hear that everything is "normal". I'm relieved about the TMJ, because that's on its way back and I'll be able to nag my doctor for some more targeted medication. I ain't going through that again.

I told my mum about how it's possible to have the Rh factor but actually have AS. I'd seen it written down years ago, but had never been able to get it explained. How many people have been diagnosed with RH along the years, but found out it ain't?
Also, is there anyone out there with kidney problems related to AS. My mum has serious problems with her kidney and bowels. This is why I've been certain she doesn't have Rh for a while but her doctors won't look at it as a package of symptoms. They say it's too rare to have the inflammation in the joints and internal organs. But that is not right, right?
Anyway it's fired me up even more - I'll be taking her along to the Rheumatic Hospital in Bath this year (even if I have to kidnap her) and get her to the AS centre to be checked out. Bless her, she can't carrry on going into hospital every month for people to scan her kidneys and say they don't know what it is while her Rheumy has taken her off the methotrexate because she doesn't have Rh and has just left her! Makes me kind of feisty. I'd give him inflammation if I could get my hands on him! heh, heh...

What kind of biologic drugs are there?? My docs have been saying I should be on them - they are just waiting for my latest round of test results to see what's going on. Nothing has shown up in my blood, apart from the HLA-B27, as usual, and I don't think the X-ray was particularly clear either. But then they never have been. But still, with the foot the size of a melon, an eye department file the size of a mattress and an ever stiffening back they're quite happy with the dx so far. It's just frightening that had I not recently moved to an area with such a good research team, I'd be totally on my own. My first rheumy told me my only problem was with a tendon in my foot and recommended I get it removed!! Thank God he didn't treat me for my stiff neck/jaw - I'd have probably lost an ear!

I had actually been on a low starch diet a few years ago, coincidentally, with enormous success. It was before I even knew I had a problem. I'd been getting sharp discomfort in my back and round my ribs at night - so bad it was waking me up and I'd have to move around to ease it. It took my breath away. I thought it was my kidneys and so went for some scans but nothing came up. I was so embarrassed I never went back to my GP but in desperation tried my homeopath. He suggested this silly diet, but one of the rules is no wheat. And hey presto, overnight it stopped.
I just figured I was wheat intolerant and still try to avoid it. I used to be really strict with potatos too, but really it's not easy is it? But I'll give it another go - nothing to lose, right? except some cellulite, I hope!!

Well, take care and thanks again for the top advice.
Sxx