I am HLA-B27 and diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (HLA-B27 is a gene common to those with AS, but you can have the gene and not have AS). Take all your films and test results with you that you have so the doctor can have the fullest picture available. The rheumy will check on your flexibility/range of motion and it may help if you can describe your pain - where it is, level for the varying places, anything that makes it better or worse.

I'm surprised more people on the site don't see a rheumy. With the issues with inflammation and all the issues, I am glad I've been seeing a rheumatologist.

If you research AS, just know that women and men often are affected by the disease differently.

You'll be ok.

Karen

Thanks Karen, My last mri was last year. Do you think the DR will order a new set? My pain is constant in my lower back/pelvic/hip region. I recently received facet block and an SI joint block which worked for about 10 days. Sadly, its long worn off and the pain is back. I wish there was something to keep the pain away for good. My wife keeps harping on me to go to physical therapy. Honestly, I tried it and all they did was cycle me from one bike to another and then had me push a squishy ball up a wall 100x. Basically, a waste of a $20.00 co-pay.

Did the neurosurgeon think surgery is necessary?

The rheumatologist might order other tests. Bring the films and the results. Make sure you mention the issues with the SI joints as well as the back. Some insurance is tough with the MRIs, so he might want to try some medication or another round of PT.

Let us know how you're doing.

Karen,

What kind of surgery? I've had 2 discectomy's already.... I have another appointment with the NS on the 22nd

I thought maybe because you were still seeing a neurosurgeon that he was considering that option.

I read in another message that Kim is newly diagnosed with AS.

I may be needing your advise as I'm going through shots in L4/L5 that thus far haven't helped much or for very long.

All the best.

KarenD

Karen,

I had 2 discectomy's. I went to another NS for a second opinion and he recommended the injections for now and ordered the blood work. So far I received the injections, 1 facet block and 1 SI joint. They helped for about a week to 10 days but my pain/symptoms just keep coming back. I've had a round of other injections before my surgeries for a nerve block which didn't help either. I have an appointment on the 21st with a rheumy and a follow up with my NS on the 22nd. I hope after 7 years of pain that this may be finally be figured out and I can get the right course of treatment.

Well im in dr office... wish me luck

Got my orders, more blood tests, MRI and xrays

Good to hear this Rheumatoid Dr. is very thorough and doing all the tests. Waiting for results is the hardest part. Did they order anything for the pain like anti-inflammatory or anything? Take care. Charry

They may try you on some of the AS drugs, such as Methotrexate, Enbrel, etc. I was on sulfasalazine first, which made me very, very sick. From there I went to Methotrexate, which offered some pain relief for a short while, then stopped working and had me sick for two to three days each week. I've now been on Enbrel for six months; I had some relief with low back/SI/hip pain for a couple of months, but it has returned with a vengeance, so I see my rheumatologist again on December 2nd to see what our next plan of attack will be.

I am HLA-B27 negative, but have some symptoms of AS and psoriatic arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis and DDD. The best relief I have had was from rhizotomies;
I have had four of them, which helped me out anywhere from five weeks to several months.

Sounds like the rheumatologist is being thorough, and they generally have a certain order in which they do things for these types of 'spondyloarthritis'. I hope you make some headway soon and have some more comfortable days ahead!

Tracy

went for my Mri of the pelvis and XRAys of my entire spine from my neck to my pelvis this morning. Have follow up on tuesday. just need to find time to get the blood work done

Ok so strange but good news! I don't have AS. GUESS my xrays and MRI didn't show signs.

I was just diagnosed with AS in the beginning of November, although I was tentatively diagnosed back in May. I am HLA B27 positive. My rheumy actually diagnosed me prior to my MRI results coming back. While damage/inflammation to the SI joints is a hallmark finding of the disease, if you are in the very early stages or have a very mild form, such as Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy (USpA), your MRI may be completely normal. In that case, they need to go over your symptoms and determine if your symptoms fit.

I went for my follow-up appt with the rheumy yesterday, and my MRI showed evidence of sacroiliitis, which makes my diagnosis pretty clear cut. I am now on a longer course of Prednisone, until my next appt on 12/21, when we'll be discussing other medications.