Everyone's different Valsmum. I have had low back pain for years - early 90s. SI pain for even more years - started way back in the early 80s. NO fusing, yet. Also, women present differently to men, and, also depends on the HLA-B27 factor - positive or negative. Positive diagnosed more likely to fuse than negative diagnosed.
There is no one answer fits all ! Devilish to know what may be on the cards. Keep an eye on your own health developments - be aware of changes, better or worse? Renew MRIs, X-Rays on an annual basis - or once in two years? Or...?? Discuss with your reheumy may be the best first step?
But on a diagnostic basis, EULAR suggest it takes 10 - 14 years to get a firm diagnosis - and that is but the start. Hellish blasted disease. But take heart - women present differently to men and fusion is not part and parcel of the disease for everyone.
