Renee Schmitt
I knew something was not right since I was in high school. But I just dismissed it since it wasnt that bad. Eventually, my neck, shoulders, headaches and then my back started being bothersome. I received some prescription pain meds and only helped temporarily. All those years I just dealt with new symptoms and stronger pains. Noone could figure it out. My primary doctor finally diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia (after I told her abt it). Nothing was helping. I even went to PT and they said it was all in my head. Finally took it upon myself to find a Rheumatologist. I even had a breast reduction hoping it would help and it didnt.She tried everything until she finally decided to check on the HLA–B27 and also did another MRI with contrast. Sure enough I was diagnosed in 2010. After all these years, I finally know what is the problem. Now I am on Humira and MTX and only feel slight improvement. Since I had gastric bypass in 2001, I am very limited to the kind of medications I can take and what my stomach can tolerate. She wants to refer me to a specialty hospital to get a second opinion like she gave up on me. My little boy and my husband didnt give up on me why would she? She is the specialist. And I sit here wondering am I going to have to start over or this is a sign of just accepting the pain. Only time will tell.
California United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Renee,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Wishing you the best. Remember from this day forward you are never alone.
Sincerely Cookie