Hi Wendy,
I was diagnosed in 1985, so I can't remember exact details now, but I do remember that my rheumatologist ordered x-rays of my SI joints with x degrees of tilt (can't remember how many degrees). They had me lie on my back and they put something (like a block of wood) under each hip (one at a time) to achieve the desired degree of tilt. Thus I was diagnosed with AS after my first visit to a rheumy. Earlier x-rays of my hips and lumbar spine didn't show anything. The first time I went to a doctor (GP) with what I now know was AS pain, he told me I had osteoarthritis too. I agree with the others that you need to see a rheumy. Good luck.
Connie
