I was initially told by my general doctor, and by my rheumatologist, months ago that I more than likely had AS. However, after my appointment yesterday, my rheumatologist team now believes I have something called DISH (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis).

The two conditions are very similar, but DISH is not classified as an autoimmune disorder. He wanted to be confident in his diagnosis before prescribing me Humira. He noted that even though I'm positive for the gene that's common in AS sufferers, the last 3 blood tests I've had over 9 months have all shown my 'inflammation markers' as being well below average even for a 'normal' person. He also said that my age (55) and lack of any previous eye or kidney issues made him believe DISH was a more probable condition.

He suggested that I come back in another 9 months for another set of x-rays which his team can compare and draw a final conclusion between AS or DISH. There are evidently some specific characteristics that show on the images that make the differentiation easier.

I have to say that I was very impressed with their work and appreciate them not making the easier assumption of AS and putting me on meds that wouldn't have had any affect on DISH and could have potentially caused other problems. I'll check back in with the final results in 9 months and we'll see what happens. I'm not saying DISH is any better than AS because he pointed out that at least there's a treatment for AS, there's nothing for DISH except NSAID's.