Oh, I do know what you're going through! I was misdiagnosed with RA because the damage they could see, my swollen left ankle, finally convinced a rheumy that something was wrong. But then because it was only one joint I was still treated as a whiner, and no one paid any attention when I kept complaining about my back! Sacroilitis is not a symtom of fibro, it's a symptom of AS, so be firm, take your questions/concerns, that stuff about the criteria with you, and if your rheumy still drags his feet, find the nearest teaching hospital (with a good rep) and see if you can be seen there. No one should have to go through what so many of us do just to get a DX!
The other thing is that some of the meds, the DMARDS, which can be more effective than the NSAIDS without ruining our innards, are not prescribed for fibro, at least to my knowledge, so that's another reason to get a decent DX. And don't even think about jumping off the nearest bridge! You've got work to do, and we'll help you do it, we've got to KickAS - - or kick a few medical ones.
Cheryl
All dogs really need to feel happy is people around who love them
My guy
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. Author Unknown
