Hi Lynne welcome to KA
I cant answer your Question about cost because I live in the UK. As for your other question its not easy to answer some people only ever get it mild and dont get any fusing and not too much pain and others like me get it severe.Im nearly completely fused and have severe Kyphosis. Levels of pain vary person to person so Im afraid you will just have to wait and see.I really hope you get a good Rheumy who can get you on a good course of treatment and that you dont suffer too much.Best wishes
Kevin