Your experience with Rheumotologists?!
Question:
Your experience with Rheumotologists?
Hi there, I have had the following blood tests taken CRP, ESR, Rheumatoid, full blood count and all have come back as normal, x-rays of back and ribs taken and normal too.
I have had HLAB27 blood test that has come back as positive and now referred to a rheumatologist. I have like a burning sensation, muscle tightness’ and soreness in my back and ribs which wakes me early for past 7 months, dissipates during the day with mobility. I take 400mg Ibrufen each night, will taking this long term do any harm?; I take one tablet each night with food but don't want to rely on these for ever. If anyone with similar experiences offer any helpful advice I would be grateful. Thanks
Answers:
Hello:
The HLAB27 antigen test is fairly specific for Ankylosing Spondylitis, or just pain Spondylitis. Mind you the antigen is fairly widespread in the general population - maybe 3% don't quote me and not everybody goes on to get Spondylitis. It is just that a very high percentage of Spondylitis patients, I think in the 90% area all have this antigen. Since you are having pain in my back and ribs your doctor wants a rheumatologist to see you and decide if that is what the problem is. Your doctor is thinking you might have something in the family of Spondylarthropathy. Since the Ibuprofen is helping you I would be leaning towards the Spondylitis myself. Also you have the trademark pain that wakes you up and goes away during the day. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and it works well with Spondylitis. Regular pain killers don't do much for that type of pain (inflammation). I would go and see what the Rheumatologist has to say because he can give you better meds. even ones that are easier on your stomach. Ibuprofen is the hardest on your stomach.
I suffer from Psoriatic Spondylitis so I do know what I am talking about. I hope for you that it is just some pulled muscles that are taking their time trying to heal. But the Rheumatologist would be best to figure it out. At the very least rule it out. By the way, in the beginning of any Spondylitis there is very little changes in your bones so it doesn't show up on x-rays. An MRI might show a bit of erosion or active areas. The x-rays that you said were negative will be used as a baseline to measure to if you do have Spondylitis.
Good luck to you.