Bent Out of Shape at 93

By charleneebbs

1 min read

I have had back pain for many years. What started as a friend poking me and saying, "stand up straight", has ended with me being one of the people that walk bent over and relying on the grocery cart to keep me up a bit as I shop.

Sensitive eyes

No doctor has said I have anything but arthritis, but about four years ago the white of one eye turned beet red followed by the other eye about six months later.

My eyes are only clear just after using eye drops and then for only about three hours. They are also light-sensitive.

Blood test for AS?

I play golf - but poorly. I cannot walk so ride a cart. I can do housework but would have great difficulty just walking half a block. While a walker helps a bit - they are just not high enough. I often feel crutches would be better.

However, I remain fairly active for my age. My problem is that no doctor has ever taken my problem seriously. Is there a blood test that would show I might have AS? I am curious. Charlene

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RroseappleHopes Member
Hi I'm new at this myself, but one word of encouragement from someone who has been a caregiver all of her adult life. Keep looking for "that right doctor" until you are completely at ease with the relationship. Don't let anyone tell you its time to give up the search or you're being too picky. YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT SPENT FINDING THE PROVIDER WHO WILL FOSTER THE GREATEST OUTCOME FOR YOU! 
1. Doreen H Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="RroseappleHopes" user-id="4698549"/> Thanks for adding these wonderful words of encouragement. We are truly grateful you found this community. Be well, Doreen (Team Member)
Nadine Cruz Member
<inline-mention username="charleneebbs" user-id="4227741"/> Hey there how are you doing today? I hope that you are managing and coping as best as you can do you have any support at home? God bless you at the age of 93 and your still staying active and strong i admire that i hope to be that way when I reach that age. My best Nadine (Team Member)
James Hollens Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="charleneebbs" user-id="4227741"/> , I am so sorry that you have had to deal with these problems for so long without receiving any real answers from doctors. Unfortunately it seems to be a very common situation for a lot of us with conditions like this! In terms of a blood test for AS, I can only echo what has been said above about seeing a rheumatologist as being the best plan of action. It was an MRI scan that was needed for my doctor to finally confirm my condition but there are a few other steps along the way so your best bet would be to get seen by a rheumatologist to see what they say. I hope you are able to find some answers and solutions very soon. Sending love, James (Community Member)
Lisa Marie Basile Moderator & Contributor
Hi Charlene! So, this is all stuff I totally understand. Thanks for sharing here. One common eye concern for Ankylosing Spondylitis is Uveitis. It's got the same symptoms as what you described. I had it for many years, and steroid drops do help. It's actually what led to my diagnosis! Here is some information about it: https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/symptoms/vision Second, while there isn't ONE blood test to show whether or not you have AS, you should see a doctor about testing you for HLAB27. It is a gene marker that many people with AS have. It doesn't guarantee you have AS if you are positive, and some people who test negative for it still have AS. That said, it's a fairly reliable way of helping to diagnosis AS ... along with bloodtests for inflammation markers (like c-reactive protein, cell counts), symptoms, family history, and other diagnostic criteria, like MRI images to see damage (not all people with AS have MRI evidence; in fact some people have a version of AS that does *not* show up in MRI), and tests to show your flexibility. I know it sounds very complicated, but see a rheumatologist, ask about all of these diagnostic criteria, and make sure you're advocating for yourself. Here is some more info about diagnosis: https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/diagnosis Thanks, and feel free to message me if you need more info. 
1. charleneebbs Member
 <inline-mention username="Lisa Marie Basile" user-id="2390344"/> - thank you so much. I will see about getting a referral to a rheumatologist when I see my primary. It has just been frustrating to me that three doctors have just dismissed my concerns. I am really very well, able and lucky to be so at my age - but my eyes really bother me and my back pain and weakness does limit what I can do. I am lucky that golf is a bent over game. Thank you - Charlene
2. Nicky-Flikas-aks Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="charleneebbs" user-id="4227741"/> It makes me so sad what we have to go through, to find the right doctor to help us with the right diagnosis. I am sorry you had to go through this and being dismissed. Follow you instincts and listen to your body. You know best and what you are feeling. Sending you warm hugs and love, Nicky (Community member)
Lawrence Rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 charleneebbs, Unfortunately there is not a definite blood test for AS. Thee are some tests that might demonstrate the presence of AS but in order to be sure it is usually best to see a Rheumatologist and they they will likely order imagining as well as blood work. The diagnosis however is based on the purpondrrecne of the evidence. Which is why it is always best to see a trained rheumatologist.