Hi Albatros
I can't say I have ever experienced headaches well not any that I have ever thought to be caused by my A.S. but as you suggest A.S. is different from one patient to the next. Do you think your headaches could be caused by your medication. The side effects of drugs varies from person to person.
I am not surprised that it took an MRI scan before you had a diagnosis of A.S. It is a very difficult disease to get an accurate and quick diagnosis for and it does not usually show up on an X Ray till it is well advanced. Even the HLA-B27 test is far from certain or reliable.
You ask for a positive story re. A.S. Well I have suffered A.S. for over 55 years and obviously there have been some hard times but it has not stopped me leading a happy and full life. I have been married for over 40 years and have bought up 2 lovely children. We are now grandparents and take a full part in the life of 3 grandchildren. I can think of some good things in my life that came about directly due to my having A.S. For one thing I would never have came across my lovely wife if it were not because of A.S.
So keep optimistic and all will work out well for you.