Hello ritachick !
Welcome to the kickas community. I am sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Do not be so worried though, it is not going to help ! If the AS has been relatively quiet up until your mid-40s I would see that as a good sign, and it will probably remain that way. You have obviously damaged something by pulling that couch, but whether or not it's linked to AS it won't be irreparable. So you need a lot of rest, and to get the inflamation down with whatever helps : NSAID, water exercises, diet..., whatever appeals. Concerning the shots, I know my cousin (also diagnosed with AS) has had a couple and has reacted well to them, she has been relatively pain-free for a few months now. I've heard that there is a school of thought that they could damage the joint but I think you need to have them repeatedly. So personnally I'd give it a shot (no pun intended), I don't think just the one can do much damage. YOu could also go and see another rhumatologist and get a second opinion.
Also, is the pain quite bad when you wake up and then seems to get a bit better as the day goes on ?
Anyway, stay positive, there are lots of options out there to manage AS !
And you'll find all the support you need on here !!
All the best !!
Marion
