Looking for Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis without HLA-B27 Marker or Soft Tissue Damage

Is there anyone who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis who doesn’t have the HLA-B27 marker in bloodwork or substantial soft tissue damage in X-rays or MRI’s? I have the other symptoms and things associated with ankylosing spondylitis, and my paternal grandfather and uncle both have it. I’m trying to puzzle things out, though, and figure out the best course of action.

Chronic Pain and Tattoos: Can They Coexist?

Does anyone with chronic pain and a fear of needles have tattoos? The nurse who did my labs today said I looked like a person who would have tattoos after I confirmed I didn't have any because I hate needles. I want them, but I'm nervous about getting them. Does chronic pain contribute to the discomfort of tattoos or make it easier because of a higher pain tolerance? The part of needles I hate most it's the pain, it's the foreign object in my muscle.

Possible Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis Without HLA B-27 Gene

Hi, folks. So, two people on my dad’s side have ankylosing spondylitis. I really strongly think I might, too, but I don’t have the HLA B-27 gene associated with it so my rheumatologist didn’t think it was particularly likely. The only symptom that doesn’t match up 100% is pain being worse at the beginning of the day - sometimes it’s hard to tell when it’s worse because it’s so bad all day. Otherwise, I have the other frequently listed symptoms. Right now, I have been tentatively diagnosed with fibromyalgia, diabetes, de quervain’s tenosynovitis, and sciatica. It does feels like A. S. might be what a going on…. Is there anyone who was diagnosed with AS who doesn’t have the HLA B-27 gene? Any general thoughts and advice are welcome.

What's the First Step to Getting Diagnosed with AS?

my mother has AS, and I'm pretty sure I do as well. I've got the symptoms but I need to know what's my first step to getting diagnosed with AS? any and all info will help me . thanks guys!

AS and Right Upper Quadrant Pain - Seeking Advice

I have AS and am on immunosuppressive treatments. I’ve been having right upper quadrant pain for months and no one can tell me why. Been in and out of the hospital and had endoscopy and colonoscopy. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. They already checked my liver, gallbladder, and pancreas

Coping with a Chronic Illness Diagnosis

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2019 and it has been a roller coaster ever since. How do you cope with the knowledge that your body will continue to get worse over the course of your life?

Newly diagnosed with AS and anxious about starting Humira

Hi all. My name is Andrea. I was diagnosed with AS about a month ago. My doctor is going to put me on Humira and I'm waiting for insurance approval. I have really bad anxiety when it comes to starting new medications and their side effects. Please tell me Humira is okay. As far as I know I will be doing the injections.

Managing AS and Teeth Problems

How do you manage AS? Do you also have teeth problems in regards to the illness?

Experiences with Chiropractors?

My spine constantly feels like it needs to be cracked. I do yoga and crack what I can on my own but its not enough. has anyone had experience with chiropractors? I have heard so many horror storys but idk if theyre accurate?

Constant Pain Between Spine and Shoulder Blade

Hi, does anyone have a pain between the spine and shoulder blade that never quits?

Starting Humira: What to Expect?

I am getting ready to start Humira and I'm really nervous, any advise on what to expect?

Struggling with Appetite: Anyone Else?

When I first got Sick in September I did not eat for 2 weeks lost 20 pounds. Since then I eat one meal a day pretty much , I get full and don’t really have an appetite. Does anyone else have the same issue?

Seeking advice on getting diagnosed with AS

i am not diagnosed with AS however have been experiencing similar symptoms for over two years now. i want to see a doctor about this concern but not sure how to go about bringing up possibilities of AS. how did you guys go about getting diagnosed? and what symptoms sparked concern? any tips?

Need Back Pain Relief Advice

Hi all😀how do you get relief from your back pain. I’m not on any TMF blockers, anyone on TNF blockers? If so which ones and did it help?

Career advice for someone with ankylosing spondlyoarthritis

One of my biggest issues is finding a career my body can handle. I have ankylosing spondlyoarthritis so my fingers swell up and hurt bad sometimes I can’t even move them. So a desk job doesn’t seem fitting cuz of all the typing. Also I hate just staring at a screen all day. But a physical on my feet job hurts too and I get so tired so fast and come home and just lay down cuz of how my body hurts. Any suggestions???

Connecting with the AS community

hi! I wanted to try and connect with other folks with AS, especially younger folks. I'm 27 and this is a tough condition to find younger people with which makes it tougher to chat. other than having AS, I'm a librarian and I live with my 3 cats and my tortoise. I like to hike, bake, go to museums, and take lots of naps. excited to meet you all!

Living with Chronic Illness: Let's Share Our Stories

I’m Brenna and I’m juggling my life as a 24 year old disabled woman. Would love to know I’m not alone in this journey and want to hear your story and how you find joy while living with chronic illness/pain? Sending hugs!!

Dealing with Brain Fog and Memory Loss

What are your experiences with brain Fog and memory loss?

Need advice on AS flare up and Humira

Hi! I'm currently going through a rough AS flare up & starting to be scared Humira isn't working for me anymore. Any experience with other additional medications that may help?

Diagnosed with A.S. and ADHD - Looking for Others with Similar Experiences

Hi, I was diagnosed a week ago with A.S. and diagnosed a few days ago with ADHD. It's such a relief to know what I'm fighting. Does anyone else have an autoimmune disorder and mental disorder? My primary care said it's common.