Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Young Adults - The 20-Something Club Anyone else happy to hear they have AS?

I put my first post up a few months ago, and finally have an official diagnosis of AS from my new rheumatologist. I'm pretty pumped about it because now I know why I've been in pain for the last 9 years, it also helps because this means I was right so many months ago when I brought AS up to my GP and he more or less ignored the possibility, and being right is probably my favorite thing.

Who else was happy to hear their diagnosis?

And be clear, I'm not happy I have it, I was just happy to know that I have it.

Best,
Aching Comic

Ha, I love the line about being right. So true for me too.

I was very glad to have a name for it, and to begin treatment for it. I'm not glad at all that I have it, but since I do, I'm happy to know what it is!

I too was happy to have an explaination for my pain. No fun having AS, but at least the pain has a name.

Hi Aching Comic! I'm one of the "oldsters" (41) that butts in every now and then. Glad you got your diagnosis! Now on to treatment, right?! I actually cried tears of joy when they gave me a diagnosis! I just kept saying "It has a name!" (No one can pronounce it though!) So many people had treated me like I was crazy, it was such a relief. Welcome to the boards!

Blessings,
Nisey

Hello, Aching Comic. it took several doctors and each had their own theory of what was wrong with my body over the course of three years before I got the official diagnosis of AS. I was devastated when I was given the news that I would have AS for life. on the other hand, I was glad to find out what was really going on. It took awhile for me to accept it, but now I have the proper treatments to hopefully halt the progression of my AS. By the way, I was diagnosed when I was 28 years old. I turned 30 back a few months ago.

Jamie, 30. diagnosed with AS in September 2010. On Remicade once every eight weeks, methotrexate once a week, frolic acid and vitamin B 12 every day.

I can definitely relate. While I was nervous about the prospect of having to live with this disease for the rest of my life, it was nice to finally have a name for all of the pain and suffering. And having a diagnosis meant that there was potential treatment. I was just diagnosed this past November and am still working on the treatment. I am a little less "happy" about my diagnosis these days, as the pain, stiffness, and fatigue have been really difficult to deal with. However, it is still a relief to know what I am battling. I spent so many years not knowing and eventually convincing myself that I must be weak, crazy, etc.

I cried on my walk home from my rheumatologist. Tears of relief, fear and joy. I've been suffering with pain and other symptoms for so long and had various doctors offer no explanations.

I know what you mean.

Biggest problem for me, being newly diagnosed, was how and when to tell friends and family. One friend cried when I told her and I tried to be so upbeat about it. I'm dreading telling my partners mother, she'll probably think I'm damaged goods, never able to give her grandchildren. Joking. Maybe. She really really really wants grandkids.

My boss was actually surprised I came in after my diagnosis. I explained it was neat to have a name and be able to get treatment. He seemed worried. I was just glad.
The week before I got my appointment (I was on the cancelation wait list for 5 months) I was having such a hard time. When I got the appointment I cried in relief because it was a step in the right direction (my dad was already diagnosed with it and another doctor suggested it after an MRI showed some hip bone being swollen). I was happy my husband was with me at the appointment and felt empowered because I could now get support and treatment. I thought I couldn't join this group until I got a diagnosis from a doctor...

I'm another one who was so relieved, and yes, almost happy to have an answer. I had had little symptoms here and there from age 16 and it just got worse and more frequent from there.

It meant most to me because I had seen a rheumy for a year who told me there was no possibility (she refused to test for it, though my grandfather was dx'd 50 years ago!) and she made me feel like I was crazy. I was beginning to think I was since no one was giving me answers. I found my current rheumy after I was fed up with her, and he dx'd me by the 2nd appointment. I had to stop myself from walking into her office and laughing in her face. I just get back at her by telling people to never see her.

One of the Best and worst days of my life.

It was finally nice to hear someone acknowledge that something was indeed wrong. When other doctors say that you're perfectly normal - maybe even exaggerating and seeking attention - it's definitely a bad feeling. I was supposedly fine, so there are no treatments to help me, I lost the support of my family, and self-doubt even set in. I felt so alone and hopeless, and was depressed at the thought of terrible pain being my new normal. Having my rheumy say she could help me seriously changed my attitude! I didn't have to tackle this alone and the strange symptoms I was experiencing were actually real!