Yep - that's what I'll become if I keep banging my head against the wall - visiting these rheumatologists.
Yesterday's new rheumy visit went very badly.
First I was seen by a student who asked a few questions and then wrote an essay. He took the essay out and then about 10 mins later - retuned with the new rheumy.
New rheumy looked very angry.
His first words were " Ms. Newby, I'm not sure what it is you expect me to do for you "
I was completely taken aback - this was not what I expected at all.
I stayed calm and went through the whole diagnosis and undiagnosis business. I also told him absolutely every ache and pain and fatigue problem, including the rib pain, the B27 + and Iritis. I explained that I sought out a rheumy because everything was intensifying - especially at night. I needed to know how I should be dealing with it all. My thoughts were as Brent said - mechanical damage should be treated differently than Spondy. Also, the mechanical back pain theory dosn't explain all the other things ( ribs, knees, neck etc.... etc.... ) I said I realize I am not as bad as many but on the other hand I do try very hard to function normally,and I know I do have a high pain threshhold.
I said that I am pretty scared and worried about what is happening to me.

He said he cannot diagnose anything either. Mechanical back pain is from natural aging
No answer was given at all for evrything else, including the rib pain. I remained polite and calm about it but when I asked again about all these other things, besides the back - he kept looking at the student and then back to me and even gave several annoyed sighs.
In the end he cut me short and said he needs time to asses me - come back in 3 months and in the meantime take Tylonol or Advil.
If Tylonol or Advil were cutting it - I never would have approached any doctor in the first place.
By the time I left, I was in tears.

I am so incredibly frustrated now. I know they see me a a shallow, whiny, insignificant nuciance with nothing more than a sore back and a great imagination.
I doubt I will ever go back. We'll see in 3 months, how I feel
I know that right now, I feel completely lost.
I will probably coast along with my GP instead.

I think one moral here is not to switch rheumys within the same building.

Sorry for the novel

Maggie