Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis

My physiologist finally recommended that I visit a rheumatologist as he didn't feel like it was anything structural (degenerative disks, pinched nerves, etc.). Through some family connections I was able to get an appointment in a week. I didn't realize how unusual that was at the time. Ironically enough it might have been better to wait a month or so for the appointment my physiologist set up with a different rheumy initially. But I'll get to that later.

In short I had my appointment, was tested for HLA-B27 and was positive. This corresponded with my other symptoms of stiffness and pain. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. For the first little while I couldn't even spell or say it right. Such a relief to know what was going on.

My rheumy assured me that while it had no cure, it was treatable with what they called NSAIDs. These were basically amplified versions of ibuprofen and the like. Sounded easy enough...