Hi Tracy, and welcome to KA from yet another Ontarian!

I'd suggest you try again. You are certainly entitled to a 2nd opinion... and with your symptoms, it does sound more like Ankylosing Spondylitis than Osteoarthritis (which can be quite painful too by the way, and still an unpleasant diagnosis).

Osteoarthritic damage is a similar process to the damage seen in AS, although with AS it goes further as bone-remodelling occurs (which is not usually evident within the first couple of years) - I imagine they are not always simple to tell apart, initially. An expert should be able to distinguish the slight differences between the two on x-ray/MRI, but in such an early stage, I bet it is not easy by imaging alone.

TMJ and heel pain are more suggestive of AS, so I would point out this fact to your GP and kindly ask them for a referral to another rheumatologist (or to pursue the referral to Dr. Inman) for *a second opinion on your diagnosis*. Perhaps ask them to add to the letter that you question your diagnosis and specifically want to be re-examined for the purpose of getting a second opinion.

For options -- you could ask to be referred to the Martin Family Centre at St. Michael's hospital, if Toronto Western won't accept you. Ask to see Dr. Rubin - he is terrific. Or, you could ask for a referral to Markham Stouffville hospital to see Dr. J. Lewtas - another extremely good rheumy.

Good luck and don't give up!
mig