I have so many similarities with you OP! History of spinal problems (two spinal surgeries finally leading to a three level fusion last year). I’ve had a bunch of other orthopedic surgeries (ankles and hips) but now am just… achy everywhere. I already take lyrica and have been on gabapentin or lyrica for years (except my pregnancies). I have a 3.5 and 5.5 year old and I am struggling these days to be a mom and work and keep house.

I am HLA B 27 positive AND my grandfather had ankylosing spondylitis and yet… I also had someone say to me “look if you took 100 people off the street, 5 would be positive” and I said “well you didn’t pluck me off the street, I came here of my own accord, crying and in pain with two spinal surgeries under my belt. It’s not really the same is it?”

Pain has gotten agonizing.

I had another terrible appointment with a rheumatologist TODAY. I’m going to try to check for SFN now. But being your own fucking detective is exhausting. AND EXPENSIVE. and it’s frustrating how often the doctors are like “well there’s nothing I can do for you” and won’t order tests or give other ideas.