Hi, and welcome to another one of the UK contingent.
It does sound like you are really starting to take control and make some good changes. Have you discovered
www.nass.co.uk yet? Its the UK ankylosing spondylitis society, and well worth joining - for the regular magazine, the information, and their regional groups as well. If you are lucky, there will be something happening in your area
http://www.nass.co.uk/nass-near-you/ - I believe that some areas have exercise groups that include pool therapy, though as you have discovered the physios seem to be pushing people through fast and discharging them. If you do have to go to your local swimming pool to keep up the therapy, ask them if they will allow you to have a concession rate if its disability related exercise.
Chiropractors can be a bit dangerous with AS, and manipulation is generally not recommended at all for people with AS due to the risk of complications, including fracture, though if your one wasn't prepared to work on you until he had seen an xray, I'd say he had at least some knowledge of AS, so might be OK. Even firm massage can be dangerous if your spine is starting to get fragile. On the NASS website there is a whole lot of information including some downloadable exercises. Regular stretching is one of the best things you can do, as well as other gentle exercise like walking or swimming.
If you do want to get an xray, you could try your GP as well, though they may not want to order the full spine xray that you would need for the chiropractor. MRIs do need to be ordered by a rheumatologist. Years ago, I went to a chiropractic clinic where they had their own xray machine, and I had one done there, so maybe you could check around. If you do get imaging done on the NHS you can ask for a copy of it on CD. They will charge for it, but I wouldn't expect it to be more than £10.
You could also ask your GP to refer you to an NHS physiotherapist which won't cost you, rather than paying to see one privately. Make sure they refer you to a rheumatology physio if possible. Some areas you can self-refer to NHS physio as well (make sure you say you have AS and ask for a physio who knows about it).
As far as diet and sitting around with your girlfriend and not doing anything - how about you taking more control over food - starting to try cooking more meals at home rather than the takeaways? Even if you just do one home-cooked meal a week to start with, that will help. Also inviting her to go out for walks or swimming with you. Or ask her to help you keep motivated with an exercise programme by doing the stretches with you.
Good luck, and keep on with the progress you have already made.
