Is it ankylosing spondylitis? I have most symptoms but they're not as bad as I'm reading about..

Posted , 6 users are following.

so most of my life i have suffered from sore joints, bones etc and I've been told and thought it was just growing pains.. but its kind of beyond the joke now, i'm 18 and my joints still hurt, especially when its going to rain and often when its cold. My knees have been killing me lately and also my back has started hurting a lot (the back pain is new, only started a few months ago). I have been to a doctor and had many blood tests and I don't have rheumatoid arthritis or any other problems that can be seen, however I do have the ankylosing spondylitis gene HLA-B27.

My pain isn't so bad though that I wake up in the night, sometimes i cant go to sleep because of the pain but I never wake up because of it. About 2 days ago the bottom of my heal started hurting a lot, like I have a spur on it (is this a sign of ankylosing spondylitis?) I was referred to a rheumatologist in November but cant get in until Feb, any help would be appreciated... does this sound like ankylosing spondylitis?

And I know I sound a lot like a hypochondriac but sometimes my joints just hurt so bad.

Also I get dreadful leg and feet cramps but this might be something else.

 

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi,

    Pls take a 2nd opinion and what are your crp and esr levels as they are indicators of inflamation in the body.Due to chronic inflammation you get a lot of pain. You may need nsaids and change of pain killers. 

    Best take another consultation from a reputed rheumatologist. All the best ! 

    • Posted

      Thanks, I also forgot to mention I have had x-rays done on my spine and lower back etc about a month ago  but I haven't heard back.. I'm hoping I can see the specialist soon and will go from there.. Will definitely look into getting those readings.. thanks again for your response

  • Posted

    Hi perrie75078

    Yes you do get pain in your heals with AS...if you have the gene you more than likely have AS which can present itself at a very young age. Wait until you see the Rheumatologist though for a firm diagnosis..my very best wishes to you...

    • Posted

      Hi Lilian,

      Thanks for taking the time to read this, mmm i was thinking that too, hopefully the Rheumatologist can figure it out.. thankyou

  • Posted

    I'm in the same situ! I'm nearly 18 and have the HLA-B27 gene but under a rheumatologist. I also have inflammaitory markers. Most of those symptoms too. Defo get a second opinion. I;'m waiting for MRI results for a dx of it. Sorry to hear, its very painful, isnt it!

    • Posted

      Thanks, sometimes its nice to know your not the only one going through stuff (not that i'd wish it on anyone).. i still don't think mine is a bad as most peoples on here is.. but recently it has been getting worse and i also do spend a lot of my time limping..so yeah somethings not right.. i guess ill have to wait a few months to find out my results etc.. good luck with wherever yours takes you and all the best smile

    • Posted

      not meant to be a happy face.. more a sad hug but oh well.. atb xx
    • Posted

      Aw bless you. It’s horrible. I got the results and I do have axial Spondyloarthropy they’re saying arthritis but I need an explanation from the rheu but I have a post on here about the results. Best wishes x
    • Posted

      I just read your post about your results.. wow! hope you can find some relief xx
  • Posted

    It's odd that your other joints hurt well before your spine, which is usually where it all starts. Mine started in my lower back, creeped into my hips, and have settled in my hands.

    I wouldn't immediately worry about the allele. True, a majority of AS patients carry the gene, the opposite is true for the gene carriers (most people that are carriers don't have AS).

    When you speak to your rheumatologist, ask about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

    It's not uncommon for people with JRA or RA to test negative for inflammation.

    Also, always ask for a second opinion when you are diagnosed with something.

    AS is hard to diagnose, and is usually caught late because of the lengthy process.

    Best of luck, and I hope it's just a vitamin deficiency!

    • Posted

      I agree with this. AS starts in the spine first, then progresses elsewhere. Sounds more like RA, but I would talk to a rheumatologist. Several doctors overlooked and misdiagnosed my symptoms when I was your age, a specialist is what you need.
    • Posted

      Thanks for all this advice, its really going to help when i eventually get round to doing something.. ill be sure to get opinions on JRA and RA.. and yes it would be nice if it was a vitamin deficiency (fingers crossed)

      best of luck to  you as well xx

    • Posted

      Thanks David, Ill definitely be going and seeing a specialist some time soon so hopefully that sheds a bit of light on the situation.

      ATB with your situation

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.