hi all-

Went into the rhumy today to see if I actually have AS (dxed about 18 months ago, but no back issues and lots of red flags on the diagnosis).

I'm living in a new state, finally have insurance, and have not seen a doctor since May. I got really sick, hips got really bad.

Well... had some hip x-rays for the first time today (always had hip issues so no clue why they weren't x-rayed until now. I didn't ever think to ask because I was positive I didn't have AS). Hips are almost completely fused and there's a bone spur growing off of one of them.

The doc wants me to start enbrel asap. I told him I needed some time to think to which he was supportive. I am terrified of it.

He offered no other alternatives- and I don't think my insurance covers enbrel. On top of being terrified of taking it I am young (25), a student and unable to afford it.

I asked about LDN but he hadn't heard of it and was really against trying. Is anyone here fused at all and using it?

Should I be starting to file for disability? What does that even mean? How do I do that?

What else should I be looking into? What else should I be doing? I am so lost right now I can hardly tell you my name. I had to call my neighbor on the way home from the doctor's appointment because I forgot where she lived (and me therefore, I've been here since May)... I was going over to her house to talk about the appointment.

thanks -Kim

"you can't clean a fish you haven't caught"