Spondylitis diagnosis: What does it mean?

Hi @Donna-alwayssore,

That sounds like an incredibly stressful experience, especially with so many overlapping conditions to navigate, it’s understandable to feel left in the dark. To answer your question, spondylitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the spine, but ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause the spine to become stiff over time.

If your doctor didn’t clarify whether your spondylitis is AS or another type, it makes sense to follow up, especially since you’re already seeing a rheumatologist. Given your history of lupus screening, fibromyalgia, and Raynaud’s, getting a clear diagnosis is key to managing your symptoms effectively. Would it be possible to reach out to your rheumatology team and ask them to review your MRI results in more detail? It’s frustrating when you’re left with more questions than answers, but you deserve clarity about your health.

It’s possible other members may have missed this discussion. I'll tag them here to see what they have to say to weigh in:

@Bernadette @janbrown @simonba @Angiemcd @diane_knox @suze-d @Cronie @Kevin24 @chuckycat @Mummysmadhouse @Drgn10 @addyloins @ladysadie @PeteLamo @jenniferjarvis @Caramel @cooperman @stevenblake @thelicencee @madpete @Ladypanache @nickyg @Dean644 @foxym19 @Bermac @Tracy-mack @Graham529 @HilaryWB @Patsy1963 @Annmccarthy @Krnwllms @Jillyg @mikeski @lancsman @JOHANTON @Craigyboy @davelack @Barry231a @DavyKash @isabelking @HelenM @Colliegirl @dianefacey @Mattyp376 @husbandscarer @Oneredmanc @mels40 @tonyross1965 @Spondygary @loopyoo @annfee123 @Magi52 @Debsndave @michaelkeenan @doogaldos @tina1967 @richenda @nightspirit @Scouserdog @Suzisue @Cazxxx @chipboard @RobynCarlie @Winnie1000 @Doyles @SKRahman @Rocketmanpp @Hatts89 @vivyoung @ericaa @angieleo @Xlinat @Charliedflores @Pating @peetroot @Wolves123 @jimval @Hurricane @MartinOD @Juliewulie1957 @interested @Moocher @Thistlelass @Walgreens @trefor @Shelldurrant @tracy1966 @SuziBloor @Moke772162 @fiala56 @Florin29 @TerriSH @Stars0508 @Rebecca1985 @Ingy50 @Shoo55 @Tubby66 @Stevie @Dodieb @xrblue

Sending you support, and I hope you get the answers you need soon! 💙

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

Ankylosing spondylitis: Facts, Symptoms, Treatments | Carenity

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