Mri
Could I ask if there is a definitive number of changes on mri for consultant to confirm diagnosis or is it just a change from one mri to the next? Thanks in advance
So I would like to firstly thank each of you for your comments and advice etc. I had my rhum appointment today and finally received my diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. I feel relieved but also confused and a little concerned as to next steps and what this will mean. But thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a life line for me xxxx
I understand that receiving a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis can bring about a mix of emotions, including relief, confusion, and concern. It's normal to have questions and concerns about the impact of this diagnosis on your life. The management of axSpA typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function, and prevent or slow down the progression of the disease. Here are some links to articles that may help - https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/treatment -and- https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living-with Hoping they ease your worries and puts to rest the concern and confusion associated with a spondyloarthritis diagnosis. Warmly ~ Rebecca (community moderator) 
I am sorry happy to hear that we have been able to help out in any way with support. I am glad to see you got a diagnosis. Those feelings are so normal on what you are feeling. I remember the first day of diagnosis and felt similar with all these different emotions. From relief to confused to what you mentioned what would this mean. But then I knew at least now I would be able to start maybe treatment and hopefully help with feeling a bit better. I am sending you hugs and we are here. You got this!
Nicky (Team Member)
Hi
I know for everyone is can be different. From my experience my first MRI helped me get a diagnosis. Hope you are doing well and wishing you to get the answers you are looking for on your diagnosis journey.
Nicky (Team Member)thank you. It’s just so hard getting my Rhum to give me a concrete diagnosis even though I’m being treated as such. However now I have a change on this MRI from last years MRI I’m hoping I can battle it with her. Any suggestions? Thank you. what helps me during the appointment is writing everything you need to mention down. I would also write every symptom you been having. I hope you appointment goes well. Sending you positive vibes and give us an update on how it goes.
Nicky (Team Member)
Hi
- I hope you are well. Your question is a good one for a physician, as Anne-Marie stated. It's all so very complicated, especially when there is no evidence on MRI, then other criteria are used to determine a diagnosis. The one hallmark of AS is change in the SI joint on MRI - that is ONE change and AS diagnosis can be made. I for one have had inflammation in several different areas of my spine and pelvis and have been diagnosed with the chronic disease but no evidence my SI joints are fusing. I don't think it matters how many changes are seen, but the fact changes are SEEN, and it's important to note the changes seen from one MRI to the next to distinguish the progression of the disease. Hope I didn't confuse you. Best of wellness always. Rebecca (community moderator) thank you so much. I’m just struggling to get my rhum to give me a definitive diagnosis I have all the symptoms and now on this most recent MRI there is a change in being treated as that I am positive in terms of medication etc but for some reason pinning her to give a diagnosis is proving so hard. Have you any suggestions? At first I was also having a hard time getting my rheumy to give a definitive diagnosis. And meds weren't helping. But he wanted to be sure and not just whimsically throw a diagnosis at me. I went from undifferentiated SpA ( https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/u/undifferentiated-spondyloarthropathies.html ) to reactive SpA to axial spondyloarthritis and peripheral SpA to AS over 5 years. It was all so confusing. At first, I had symptoms but no true evidence on MRI. When I started having blood work out of the norm and high inflammation in joints and tendons, as well as IBS/IBD and uveitis - that is when the diagnosis started changing toward AS. I went through a horribly long flare with changes on MRI and that is when I recvd a diagnosis of AS. Are you being treated as if you have AS? On biologics or others like DMARDs or anti-inflammatories? If being treated as if you are suffering from AS, it will slow the progression (if indeed it is your diagnosis). I went years in pain with no real treatment and now I have irreparable damage and severe pain to/in my body. Maybe getting a second opinion will help you, someone who is extremely knowledgeable in inflammatory arthritic diseases (?) I send vibes of patience as you travel this long road to diagnosis. It can be discouraging. Warmly ~ Rebecca
Thank you for
Your reply. If anyone else also has any experience I would be great ful to hear.You are so welcome. We are here for the support and anything you need.
Nicky (Team Member)
