New here - advice on NSAIDs & appointment

Hi All,

I don't yet have a diagnosis of AS but have been told that it is "likely". I'm waiting for my first appointment with the rheumatologist. A brief background first and then some questions. I'm 38 years old and prior to this time last year I had no back problems and was very active and involved in a number of sports. The problems started as pain in the left groin area (I now understand this was from the SI joint) and have gradually progress so that both SI joints are really inflamed and painful and I also have pain in parts of my lumbar spine. I have been round the houses with umpteen GP appointments, physio, orthopaedics, SI joint injections and nothing has really helped and I've just continued to get worse. I got the diagnosis of probable AS earlier this week and my GP has started me on Ibuprofen 600mg, 3 times / day.

I have some questions about NSAIDs:

1. Have you found that NSAIDs have helped you?

2. If so, which NSAIDs worked best and at what dose?

3. How long did it take for you to start to see improvement? (I've been told a minimum of 1 month to see any change)

4. How many NSAIDs did you try before finding the right one?

5. Is icing the SI joints a feasible option in the short-term until the Ibuprofen kicks in? I've tried it and it does seem to calm my symptoms a little.

I've been told it will be about 6 weeks until I get the appointment with Rheumatology. What should I expect from that appointment and are there any key things I should ask? I'm currently waiting for blood results including HLAB27.

I'd appreciate any advice and suggestions that you may have.

Many thanks

Matt