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Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis

Posted , 4 users are following.

lisa08367
lisa08367

Hi

I am hoping someone can help me who would be the best person to diagnose AS. I am 46 years old I have suffered with chronic back pain for years and have just been told its Arthritis. My pain is really severe at night across my lower back and hips. I am also suffereing with neck pain and recently shoulder pain. My doctor has never referred me and has given me a combination of Solpadol 30mg/500mg Amitriptyline 20mg which i take at night to help sleep but still wake the second half of the night in pain. On waking i am like a stiff old lady. I have suffered for years but feel it is progressively getting worse... My doctor ocassionally gives me injections in my neck to help when it affects my shoulder...

I am really begining to think it is As and not just arthritis i cant stand for long periods of time as well now and obviously this is really affecting my work as I am a hairdresser. Can anyone tell me if it sounds like AS and who is the best person to see and would i benefit from seeing a chiropractor? Thankyou

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • lesley1954
    lesley1954 lisa08367

    Posted

    Hi Lisa. I wouldn't like to say what it is. It could be AS, or it could be Spondylosis. I have suffered for over 30 years with Cervical Spondylosis and I have multiple bulging discs in my back. I am in constant pain with both and I take a lot of medication. Pains are in my neck, shoulders, back and left leg.

    Last year I was told I also suffer with AS, and the pain I get with this is excruciating. Its in my lower back and affects my hips. My legs have also started swelling up too.

    You would be best going to see your gp, and mention everything that is going on. You need either an x-ray or an MRI scan.

    You should also be referred to go and see a specialist.

    Keep in touch and let me know how you get on.

    • lisa08367
      lisa08367 lesley1954

      Posted

      Thank you Lesley is there any specific tests I should ask for?

      Thank you

    • lesley1954
      lesley1954 lisa08367

      Posted

      Hi Lisa. No, not at the moment. You need to get a refferal to a consultant first. From there xrays, mri, ct scan and other tests will be done and then you will be sent to the right consultant. You shouldn't need to request anything, as once you are reffered, it should all be done for you, to determine whether its AS or CS and lumber spondylosis.

      Either way, once you get the ball rolling, you will get sorted.

      Keep in touch to let me know how you get on. AS can be diagnosed by simple blood tests, but you will need to be on the correct medication as well.

  • Yogee
    Yogee lisa08367

    Posted

    Sounds like AS from the description of your symptoms.  Seeing a rheumatologist might be helpful.  The one I saw did bloodwork ..... i have the marker for AS, more specifically psoriatic spondylitis arthritis.
    • lisa08367
      lisa08367 Yogee

      Posted

      Thank you Yogee it's just frustrating when it's affecting all my life now. Trying to hold down a job ain't easy when your in constant pain.. Going to GP tomorrow to ask about referral. Thank you for your time.
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