Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Age of Diagnosis

Just curious...

My mom in now getting tested for the HLA-B27 gene because of how much pain she's been having lately but she thinks she is too old to have it. They did confirm arthritis after a blood test but they never looked for the HLA-B27 gene.

Is there anyone that was diagnosed with AS in their 50's?

Sharon

I'm not 50 ... but I was finally dx'ed at 39.5 after 10 years of being in pain

I experienced 11 months of severe pain prior to my diagnosis of AS at age 55. Also, I am HLA-B27 negative.

I tested positive for the gene HLA B27. When I am 52, my ex-GP said "I would not have believed that you would have tested positive for Ankylosing Spondylitis". Maybe if she had gone through my file she would have seen the many problems I was having with my spine. I never complain of the pain I was in, until I couldn't handle anymore.

I have fusing in my sacrum, and in my shoulders. I have disk deterioration in my lower back. I would have fusing there if it weren't for cysts keeping my disk apart. These cysts doctors won't operate on nor will they drain them, because they would refill in a short period of time.

I also have deterioration of my spine at my rib area, and some deterioration of disks in my neck area. My spine is a total mess. I have Osteopenia in my lower spine. Also a hairline on the L5.

I know how your mother feels, and pain she is in.

Take Care

Gerri

Eric was diagnosed at 9...so I guess that is not going to help you...

Sharon, it's entirely possible that your mother has had undiagnosed AS for many years. Women are often misdiagnosed because the disease presents so differently in us than it does in men, and men have been the foundation of almost all the research done on AS. Someday, the medical community is going to figure out that men and women are not the same physiologically. Until that day, women like your mother will continue to be un or mis diagnosed for many diseases.

Which blood test did they do on her, by the way? HLA-B27 is the only one that I know of when it comes to AS. Is it possible they checked her for the rheumatoid factor? If so, then she may have Rheumatoid Arthritis not AS (or both, which is possible).

Many hugs,

Me. I was diagnosed in my 50s. My doctor, based on the damage, etc. estimates I've had the disease for 30 years.

Good Morning from a fellow Okie.

I was diagnosed in my 20's so I am no help either. I wish the best for you and your mother.

Blessings.
Possi

I was diagnosed at 27, was fortunate with early diagnosis.... dad went through couple back surgeries and was mid 30's.

Tim

Diagnosed with AS at 47...B27 positive. My rheumy commented that this was a first for him -- someone my age with a first time diagnosis of AS. I'd had symptoms for over 20 years. By the time of my diagnosis, I had significant fusing in my SI joints and involvement in my neck & heels.

Diagnosed with RA at 33 or 34; seronegative for the Rheumatoid Factor though...