Is anyone diagnosed with Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis?
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I am on Sulfasalazine and Mobic. I recently had cervical surgery that caused a flair. Because of negative labs and basically negative X-ray (mild) I question the diagnosis. My rheumatologist truly believes I have AS.
Since diagnosed has your xrays shown any change? I’m diagnosed and my lab was negative as well. I do have mild changes on X-ray but I have a lot of pain.
Hello Misty,
I am sorry you are dealing with these things. One thing I have learned for me anyway is that AS is often difficult to see on an x-rays. It tends to be more easily seen using other imaging devices. i suggest you discus your concern with the your doctor and They can likely explain what they are seeing.
rick - moderator
Hi Misty!
This sounds a lot like what happened to me. Prior to diagnosis I had an MRI done. The MRI was negative as was all my lab work, with the exception of being HLA-B27 positive. I saw a rheumatologist and she told me it was "highly unlikely" I had AS for a multitude of reasons and pretty much blew me off. Three weeks later I saw a spine specialist and he did an x-ray on my pelvic area and low and behold there were changes, but very minor ones. That day in particular though, my pain was so bad I was trembling from head to toe. Long story short I found a new rheumatologist who looked at ALL my imaging and confirmed I did in fact have AS. My lab work is consistently negative though. Are you on any type of treatment plan?
-Katie
Yes. I was diagnosed in 2014 just before my 28th birthday. Eye doctor figured it out because I had iritis and he asked me about my back/joints. I’m HLAB27 positive and have no signs on xrays of damage. I started on sulfasalazine pills but my liver didn’t agree so I was put on enbrel. I’ve been taking that for years. Feel free to ask me any questions!
Yes, I’ve had it since 2003. I’m also HLA-B27 negative.
hello MrDuncan. I had Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis for several years. In fact my doctors were convinced that the issue was not AS at all. I did respond well to RA medications and I still do. However, my spinal surgeon felt differently. When I finally had Spinal Laminectomy and that sealed the deal.
My surgeon was absolutely convinced that I had AS and sure enough as things progressed the x-rays demonstrated the issue. I do not blame the doctor he was following the best information until it was shown.
It just goes to show that AS is very difficult to DX.
