My daughter was diagnosed at 8 also, my son wasn't diagnosed until he was 10. They are now 15 & 11 and still struggling. My daughter had no success on Enbrel and will be starting Humera after she's done healing from her latest surgery and my son only takes Ibuprophen for now. My kids were still healthy when we lived in Seattle(Lake Stevens)so I don't have any recommendations as far as MD's go. You're off to a great start, educate yourself as much as possible and remember that you are his advocate. Don't be afraid to say NO or seek second opinions and demand he is treated agressively and adequately. Have they decided whether it is juvinile or regular AS? Our Rhuemy says it makes a diff. in how they treat. My daughter's is non-juvinile and they are not sure about my son yet, it's still early. I hate to see kids in pain though I think it helps that I know what they are going through. I'm still not over the "I gave them this" guilt but I'm working on it. You both will be in our prayers.
