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I heard that Ankylosing Spondylitis is present for ten years before diagnosis. Can we validate this?

Posted , 5 users are following.

edward61102
edward61102

I'm a military vet and I want to apply for Disability benefits. I want to show that the disease was present during my time in the service. Can anyone help validate the information I heard?

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • courtney_56601
    courtney_56601 edward61102

    Posted

    It does take time to finally get diagnosed withAS . You might have had symptoms for years but not diagnosed.

    If you were in a physicians care with these symtoms of AS you certainly can validate the onset.

    I would think you'd have to have written confirmation though.

    I wish you good luck with getting the disability you deserve and thank you for serving your country.

    • edward61102
      edward61102 courtney_56601

      Posted

      Thank you very much! :-)

      Yes I do need written conformation. I'm hoping to find a source with that info rather than needing to see my rhumy. That's a full day back and forth.

  • gloria55119
    gloria55119 edward61102

    Posted

    Hi Edward...it is my understanding that AS is worsened by certain activity or strain on your spine. Not sure if the medical examiners would agree though.  It could have been made much worse by your stint in the services. I would think that the condition would make you eligible for disabitiy benefits....good luck.
  • drliz
    drliz edward61102

    Posted

    There is normally a delay in diagnosis as the illness unfolds. Can u remember at what age your problems started ? Probably a stiff sore back
    • edward61102
      edward61102 drliz

      Posted

      Certainly, I first remember having a hard time sitting in chairs at school. My low back hurt enough that I actually had to see a physical therapist. But I was just labeled a drug seeker and not taken seriously.
    • courtney_56601
      courtney_56601 edward61102

      Posted

      It does take awhile to diagnose only because other doctors are unaware of this desease. And many Rheumetlogists were unaware till more recently. You need the blood test and the definitive sacrum X-ray.

      I was a professional ballet dancer and always thought I hurt because of my profession but no it was AS. Still didn't get diagnosed till adulthood after my second baby. So had AS from birth but didn't know it. I really don't think there's a definitive time frame to be diagnosed but I wish I had known as early as when it started instead of being told it was in my head ! Haha or the ballet!

      Hope this helps!??Courtney

    • drliz
      drliz edward61102

      Posted

      Sounds like the start of AS. It gets underdiagnosed
    • gloria55119
      gloria55119 courtney_56601

      Posted

      Hi Courtney, you have just echoed the voice of so many of us....Undiagnosed...unknown..etc. It's all in the head one doctor said to me. Here in Bali very few doctors understand the issues of AS.( some have never heard of it )..maybe that's a global problem. I'm so sad for you...a ballet dancer...it must be doubly traumatic for you, having once been so lithe. Don't dance the "Swan Lake"...fight it and hang in there, we are here to empathise and help if we can..Hugs...G

  • courtney_56601
    courtney_56601 edward61102

    Posted

    PS .... Your rheumatologist should work with you on this and help you to get benefits you deserve. There's no proof of prior diagnosis but I had mine (AS) from birth just by looking at X-ray.

    It's up to your doctor to help you with benefits. He or she shouldn't be reluctant. Have them help you say it very well could have begun at a young age with the X-ray findings

    We all need to help each other . What's a letter to the VA stating that! Really. Good luck

    • courtney_56601
      courtney_56601

      Posted

      Rheumatologist can be called and fax the info !!!
  • hickory
    hickory edward61102

    Posted

    I never heard of AS until I was diagnosed in 2008. Until then, and 3 back surgery, I had no idea why the what AS is. Be careful, in 2012 I could no longer work so I took early retirement. Big mistake!! I should have claimed disability. They reduced my benifits by 25%. IF I had clained disability I would receive the whole amount. Don`t do what I did, talk to someone in the know. 

    Good luck

    Hickory

    • edward61102
      edward61102 hickory

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply. I'm actually already on disability. Since 2009 I've not worked. I have a strong case for the VA, but I'm really trying to add as much info as possible.

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