i have just been told i have ankolising spondolitis.i finished work on ill health retirement in sept 2010 after being of work for a year.i was diagnosed with copd and sleep apnea.
i was referred to a rheumaogist by my chest specialist.
i already had gout and she said i needed physio. and my medication alopurinol was doubled in dose i am due to visit the rhumatologist doctor again this month.i am very worried about the diagnosis i was given.
i visited the physio today and she told me what my problem was.is this the usual procedure.
i have looked at some of the problems relatred to this illness and realise that i already suffer from a few of them.
x:? regards headsey
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Comments
Thank you for your posting.
I’m sorry to hear about all the difficulties you are experiencing.
The usual procedure for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis is through different blood tests. See the section on ‘How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed’ at http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_types__symptoms/ankylosing_spondylitis.aspx#non. Blood tests are usually carried out by your doctor or a rheumatologist.
For more information on copd go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx and on sleep apnoea to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/pages/introduction.aspx .
I hope this helps.
Please contact our helplines on 0808 800 4050 if you would like to have a chat about your situation, or need more information.
Regards
Nick
You may well have had blood tests to rule out other disorders, but not to confirm AS. The HLA B27 genetic test is sometimes done, but again, it isn't part of the diagnostic criteria as it is present in a lot of people who don't have AS.
Sounds like you need to go back to either your GP or the rheumatologist and ask a few more questions.