It's not anyklosing spondolytis

[SjoGirl]

For those who have been following my journey, I heard from my rheumy this week. He reviewed MRIs and xrays of my neck and lower lumbar, and said that even though I have the genetic marker for AS he does not believe that I have it. His diagnosis is that all of my issues are from degenerative osteoarthritis.

For anyone who wonders, I have not yet asked him, so why is the arthritis all in my spine and why is it such a wreck. I plan to send a note tonight. I also have another MRI and EMG coming up since I've had increasing nerve pain and issues holding things. I would not be functioning were it not for Gabapentin.

[Tharrell]

I'm sorry that you ended up with more questions with the diagnosis than answers. I too had hoped the HLA B27 would proof AS for my son, but my rheumy told him it is a common marker even in healthy populations and did not think my son has an AI disease. That despite the fact that my daughter and I both have AI diseases. No satisfying answer for him either on why his back is all messed up and having severe bilateral joint pain at the age of 23. Just told him to manage pain with NSAID's! He is in pain every day! Argh! My family just does not like to show positive blood work! The HLA B 27 in my daughter is proof of her uveitis from Behcet's.

[SjoGirl]

Tharell sorry to hear about your son, having lived with the frustration of not having a diagnosis I know how terrible it is. I also know what it's like when docs say there isn't much they can do to help other than PT, Tylenol, etc. non of those are long-lasting solutions (or even good short-term ones).