Sue,

I do n't have the answers I had a lot of trouble for years, my son has been exactly the same.

In my experience

Some Dr.s the one who really springs to mind is my EX GP, my current GP is my ex wifes Dr. He saw the state I was in when I went to see him with my son. He's been really good.

I've seen rheumies where they expect peripheral joints to be swollen as a sign of a flare and in me that's not the case. Peripheral flares can be seperate from axial ones.

Most nurses know nothing in my experience, we do not have nurse assistants in Australia....they think AS is a stiff back and that's it.

and Physio Therapists are dangerous.....male young the worst best avoided, older ladies seem better but still not good. I use them to get exercises and then modify the regime etc for me.

I have noticed the younger Dr.s across the board seem to have a better knowledge of AS SpA in recent years. I know the various National and International Rheumatological Professional Bodies have put alot of effort into that.

From a Dr.s perspective they are trying to prevent joint damage and ankylosis and retain functionality. At the same time using the stronger medications only when absolutely needed.

I think SpondyA is much harder to get diagnosed than AS.

Dave