just diagnosed,

Hello,

I just joined the group here and was recently dx'd with AS, B-27 positive and I'm a little freaked out. I don't know what to expect from this disease or how fast it progresses. I have not been to a rehumatologist yet. I have had back, knee and ankle pain for about 15 years and finally, after many doctors and test, x-rays and MRI's they found the answer. What can I expect now? Am I going to be disabled where I can not work? If I get injured will I be paralized? I am 37 years old and already have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning after a previous day of activity. any help or advise will be very helpful, thanks in advance.

David