Hi Heather,
I agree with alot that Christina, Cheryl and the others said...Ok...Steve too, although he's a nut, but laughter is sometimes the best medicine.
Don't know where alot of us would be without him.
Anway, your story sounds very familiar. We have been through it all and yes, it's hard for us woman especially because alot of docs still believe that woman don't get AS and if they do it's not that bad. That's a a bunch of balony as we all know. The Line I hated the most was "Could you be depressed?" Uggg I hated that. I would respond by saying "If I am depressed it's because I'm in constant pain and your ignorance and lack of trying to figure what the heck is wrong with me is making me that way"
People who know me knows it takes alot for me to get depressed but dealing with what you are now is enough to make anyone crazy.
Just don't give up...keep plugging away and searching for a new doctor until you find one that suits you and really listens.
I too was first diagnosed with Lupus..the doc watched me carefully after that and then came to the conclusion that it was AS instead.
Whine, scream and cry as much as you want. That's what we're here for.
We'll help you with info and support the best we can.
You'll get through all of this..especially with the wonderful people here helping you. We all understand what your going through. When I first arrived here I was scared, confused, and a big pain in the AS, but thanks to all my friends here, I'm back to being a happy, easy going, fun loving Pain in the AS.
Don't get me wrong...it's still a tough road and I still whine sometimes, but being here has made it so much easier. I'm sure everyone will agree with me.
I wish you the best tomorrow...keep us posted.
Hugs,
Lisa
