Question
I have had left hip pain for three years, without a clear diagnosis. In the last year, I have had recurrent low back pain and inflamed sacroiliac joints. Doctors have been unable to tell me what is wrong and there are few changes in my spine except facet arthosis, broad based bulges in L4-L5 and L5-S1 and "mild multilevel spondoloarthoropy". I was recently tested for hsCRP which was normal, and the HLA-B27 gene for which, I am waiting for results. What is the best way to get a clear diagnosis of AS. I feel that all my symptoms are related to this, including my breathing issues, but how can I help the doctors here in the military diagnose me so I can get some relief from the debilitating pain I am in? I have a copy of my MRI if it will help.

Answer
Hi Amanda,

They are doing the right stuff, The presence of this gene (HLA-B27) doesn't determine whether you have ankylosing spondylitis, but its absence makes it less likely. A CT scan will be necessary if the test is negative. Read up on AS, not much you can do for it except pain meds and steroids. I hope they can keep it in check.

Good Luck,

Dr. Tim