Can you have Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms but it be something else? Like some injury?

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Hello! And thank you for checking out my post.

Two months ago, I awoke with severe lower back pain. Enough to wake me up. Since then I’ve had some degree of back pain which either A) wakes me up around 5am or 6am or B) gives me pain when I get up. Stiffness in the morning.

Since this began I’ve noticed these little bubbles on the side of my finger tips. I’ve had this before but they seem a bit more pronounced the last 2 months. Today they’re gone. But my skin looks older where they were. I’m only 33.

I’ve had some carpal tunnel symptoms, and random aches and pains throughout my body. 

Random, short lasting, eye pain. And one day, one of my eyes was noticably red. Had a stye too another day.

It’s been tolerable. But last Monday going on Tuesday night, the back pain was severe again and woke me up. 

I fear inflammatory back pain. I hope it’s just because I was lifting heavy 45lb weights, and might have injured something. The weights are on the floor and I have to bend down to get them. I didn’t feel any pain when lifting but maybe delayed pain?

This last week I’ve felt abdominal pain but could be cause of the ibuprofen I’ve been on.

In 2011, my colonoscopy revealed mild Proctitis.

I’ve also experienced itchyness in my heart(left side of the chest and center). Idk what’s that about.

I’m waiting for blood test results. An echocardiogram was also ordered and will be performed tomorrow.

Any insight? Any chance this isn’t AS?

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    If your pain is not until 5am I think the likelihood of AS is reduced, it typically has night time pain but earlier in the night, 2am or so. And it eases when you get up and start moving. But there are other forms of inflammatory arthritis

    You have obviously sought medical advice - give them a chance to investigate. And frankly - cut back on the weights.

    • Posted

      Hi!  Thank you so much for your response!

      I did neglect to say that my pain gets better after I wake up and go along with my day.  

      Family history of Arthritis but NOT AS.

      So, idk if that makes a difference.

      Thank you!

      I’m really afraid and appreciate the insight as it makes me feel like I’m not alone.  Doc has me scheduled for a echocardiogram tomorrow... which is weird cause idk why she did that.  But again... makes me worry about AS.

      Blood has been drawn, and am awaiting them to call me or tell me on Thursday at my appointment.

  • Posted

    UPDATE:  Doctor’s office called regarding the blood test results.

    I have “High cholestrol” and “Vitamin D Deficiency.”

    I asked the tech if that’s why I’ve been feeling lower back pain, joint pain, and occasional random eye pain, and she said, “No, because you’re mild and I have it worse and I don’t have any of those symptoms.”

    But according to Dr. Google it seems that those symptoms could be attributed to Vitamin D Deficiency.

    I also find it interesting that the doctor set me up for a Nuero specialist appointment and not a Rheum.  Hmm.

    Thoughts?

    • Posted

      They could - but they could equally be due to an autoimmune disorder and low vit D is common there. And yes - if I was going to the effort of seeing a specialist I think a rheumy  seems to promise more bang for your buck!

      BTW - my husband had a vit D of 7. His only symptom was raised BP which seems to have moderated since his vit D was replenished! 

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