Hey, My sister is feeling like a loser, because her fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis are getting her down. Does anyone know of a good forum for either illness? I've invited her to come hang out here in the family & friends section. Truthfully, she's HLAB27+ and has chronic sacrum pain and stiffness, and spontaneous peripheral joint fusing since early teenhood... but her rheumy is sticking with the fibro/osteo diagnosis. Thanks in advance for answers. I heart you all! Ya'll make me happy and sane(r).

i checked out a fibro forum for a while since it was something that kept coming up. but i wouldn't recommend the one i found, don't even remember what it was.

I've only got a fibro/osteo diagnosis at the moment, but having checked out other forums this one fits me much better and has been much more helpful. Why doesn't your sister try lurking here for a while?

Erika - Can your sister get a second opinion with another rheumy. With those symptoms highly UNlikely that it is fibro, sounds more like AS and, the B27 positive is for sure a heads-up!

Thanks people! I sent her the link to this thread as well. xo

Another thought, send your sister the ASAS Handbook. Great information on everything Spondy incl the 'hows' of DX!! (Just *wish that ALL rheumies would read it. Sigh.)

Yes, I agree with Molly, it sounds like your sister may have AS...us Asers can spot the symptoms a mile away...and as you know, early treatment is crucial...I wish her the best, it's great that she has a caring & helpful sister like you...

sounds familiar