No disrespect, but I'm not sure I agree with Rat on this one. Perhaps it's splitting hairs or perhaps I'm just not being technical enough, but if you have a disease (spondylitis) in which fusing is a possibility, then it is a fusing spondylitis. I don't yet have any fusion, and I understand what Rat is trying to say, but I still think I have AS.

And also in answer to Steve, although I don't have any fusion, I have two maternal uncles and one great uncle -- all with fusion and kyphosis. Maybe mine won't progress as quickly or as far since 1.) I'm a female 2.) I have a diagnosis earlier in the game -- I doubt that the two who are deceased ever had a diagnosis of AS --- they probably thought they just had a really bad kind of arthritis 3.) I know to stay mobile and straight and 4.)I'm working hard on good health habits now with the NSD.

Paula




Meanwhile I live and move and I am glad, enjoy this life and all its interweaving. Each given day, as I take up the thread, let love suggest my mode,my mood of living. (Fred Kaan, 1975)