Do I have AS?
I am 44 years ears old. Around 8 years ago I was hit with extreme lower back pain where they concluded I had disc impingement from a cyst or bulge where some of my disc was eroded. I had physical therapy which helped but deal with lower back pain daily that radiates in my hips and buttocks. Mornings are worse with the stiffness. Soon after, I had burning in my neck which MRI showed spurring. The past 2 years I have had rib pain on both sides, arm and leg fatigue. It also causes pain and tenderness in my chest. I also suffer from chronic fatigue, brain fog and when I flare I have low grade fevers. I work part time and those few days are brutal. My whole body hurts along with my feet. I use to be very active and taught dance for 15 years. I can barely make it through a day of work now.
I was referred to a Rheumatologist but then then Pandemic hit and I was unable to make the appt living 2 hours away. My new pain is my upper back with extreme fatigue down the arms. Are these all symptoms? I would appreciate anyone’s advise or help.
Hello, I am so sorry you are having this pain and discomfort. With the doctor two hours away, that makes the pain even worse, I imagine.
However, since we are not medical professionals, we are not qualified or able to make any diagnosis or even suggest that what you are experiencing may be a certain condition or not. What I can say is that AS is especially difficult to diagnose. Some of us have spent years trying to get the right diagnosis. What might look like AS turns out to be a different form of arthritis or a structural issue. Your best way forward is to go back to your doctor (hopefully a rheumatologist) and ask directly about it. With a good examination, she/he might give a treatment plan on the spot. Or, as in many cases, they will ask to see you more and do testing. Whatever the outcome, we are excited you found us, and do let us know how your visit turns out.
Rick - moderator
