Hello Karen...
I went full blown with the AS monster after the birth of my 2nd daughter 8 yrs ago. l5-si was fused. And other damage. Then xrays a couple years later were the same no change. Then about 2 yrs ago my former rheumy ordered more to update..and there was changes. Thats when he changed it from spondyloarthropathy to officially AS.
I think one key sign for AS..is the classic morning stiffness. I know when my hubby's back goes out...he feels better when he rests. I am in a world of pain when I am in bed too long. As it is I wake up doing the crab-walk. That morning stiffness and pain stays with me for a couple of hours...then I'm shuffling along...then around 4pm I "peak" ..and it's downhill from there...sore and stiff all over again. If I stay in bed too long I am so rigid that I cannot even unlock my knees.
I certainly hope you dont have AS. If after 14 years nothing is showing up...I can only hope it stays that way for you...I hate the AS monster. For the last 8 1/2 yrs it has been in my face non stop driving me to the brink of insanity at times.
take care... buggie
