Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Rheumy Visit

Seen Rheumy today and I did get him to listen,last time he just wanted to talk about my neck/shoulders ect so when I sat down he said its not your wrists that are the problem then and I told him about my lower back being very painful and went on from there telling him I had been having pain in all different places for 16yrs now and he listened! Next he examined my lower back and made me bend in different ways he said I want to send you for lower back xray,on the request form it says"pain in lower back with tenderness pressing over SI jts." Also he is sending me for HLA B27 blood test. SO at last someone listened!

Jill

Hello Jill

Nice to meet you Jill.

Glad someone is listening to you at last.

I, too, am in the UK and have only just been diagnosed. I am 57 years old but never thought a lot about my aches and pains until I started looking into AS because my son of 33 was diagnosed last year.

X-rays and the positive HLA-B27 blood test were the deciding factor, although I have been told that my case is quite mild. I fully agree with that because I seem to be able to lead a near normal life whereas my son has many more problems.

Hope you get some answers.


Carol

Once you have had correct diagnosis treatment should improve. I've been lucky having been seeing a Rheumatologoist on the NHS since the 70's. I was also first diagnosed in the Royal Navy where the medical dept was first class.
I find it helps to write things down as they happen so you can remember what to ask etc. when you have consultation, also don't be afraid to demand an answer to what you ask as you have a right to know.
I've been lucky having had the same rheumatologist for 20years and we have a good relationship as he's admitted me to hospital lots of times and we've got to know each other well, try and aim for this and it makes life easier.
Sorry to have rambled but my best wishes to you.
Keep smiling
Bruce

Jill, I'm so glad you were able to get someone to listen. That's half the battle. It's always nice to know that there's a reason for what we feel, and that there is something we can do about it - other than going to a psychiatrist, that is. :-)

Hugs,

Kat

Hi Jill,

Well - at least someone LISTENED, which is a good start, as you said. After waiting 25 years for someone to listen to me, which eventually lead to my dx, I can understand your relief! (I'm HLA-B27 neg, but fortunately my rheumy wasn't bothered about that!! Otherwise, I'd probably STILL be waiting!!)

Good luck,
Sue

Jill, I hope you get the answers you are looking for. Isn't it great to find a doc that actually listens..hugs, DC

Hi,Carol
Nice to here you are from UK also.I keep wondering if my dad has AS.He has lots of pain in his lower back/hips ect and he finds it very difficult to stand up straight or walk upright but give him a buggy to push or shopping trolley and the pain is much eased in that position.But I dont really want to bring up the possability as I havent had a dx yet and he will blame himself,he doesnt know anything about AS (I didnt until I descovered this site a few months ago because my doctor mentioned Spondylitis!)So I dont see the point in saying this to him as he is 70yrs!

Jill

Thanks for that.I try to keep smiling ,not always easy!!!
Jill

Hi,Kat
Liked the bit about phychiatrist LOL.
It reminded me of years ago some understudy for a consultant said "Are you sure its not all in your head!"
Jill

Hi Sue,Even though he has listened I think if results dont show anything he will fob me off and tell me to keep doing exercises.Then I willbe back to square one!
Jill