Bit more info that may be of general interest re the swallowing problems:-

http://www.brighthub.com/health/arthritis/articles/102130.aspx

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, or DISH, is considered a type of osteoarthritis that doesn't show any wear and tear, and may be present with no symptoms. According to Spine University, DISH occurs most often between ages 50 and 60, with more cases reported in men than women. The most common ligament affected is the anterior longitudinal ligament on the front of the spine.

When symptoms do appear, stiffness and a reduced range of motion are the most common, particularly when bending sideways. With DISH, extra bone growth or bone spurs can develop. Possible symptoms of bone spurs include: difficulty swallowing, if the bone spur occurs near the esophagus; or numbness, if the spur puts pressure on the spinal cord.

Diagnostic Testing
Whether testing for ankylosing spondylitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, your doctor will begin with a complete physical examination. This includes locating any painful areas, especially related to your spine and joints. Blood tests to define or rule out other disease processes may be done.

In evaluating for DISH, the Mayo Clinic recommends X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) be used as diagnostic tools. An X-ray may show the characteristic distinction of calcification along the spine, and an MRI or CT is particularly helpful in determining if a condition is AS or DISH.

(or both...!)

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/arthritis/articles/102130.aspx#ixzz1DBF4o8oc

Looks to be quite complicated to define the 'two together' - got to have up-to-date equipment and a really good radiologist to read the results. Not always easy to find the two together! (Top hospitals, like the Mayo Clinic - who are creme de la creme - or the big hospital in Houston, TX (*Excellent reports of Houston) is where you need to be looking.) Just a couple of cents worth. 'Smile'.

Oops, you're in Canada Bosun, well Toronto has a very good hospital. They should have all the goodies.

MollyC1i - Riding OutAS