HLA B27

I am a 54 year old male who has tested positive for the HLA B27 marker.   I have had a hx of sacroiliac pain, psoriasis & irritable bowel syndrome.   I am now having servere stiffness in my neck with pain.   MRI shows 3 osteophytic discs etc.   My primary care Dr. does not think I have any spondylitis or does not beleive in it.   What should I do as my symptoms get worse, should I see a rheumatologist.   Thanks.

[txsilver]

Yes, please make an appointment with a rheumatologist now.  Do not wait for anything to get worse.  While you may or may not have AS, that genetic marker is indicative of a family of diseases for which you should be checked.  All of these ailments have the best results when treated as early as possible.  If you do not know of a good rheumatologist in your area, the Spondylitis Assoc. of America has a forum where fellow sufferers post about their favorite doctors and where they are located.
There are several of us (myself included) with AS in the arthritis forum as well as this one.  We are here to help any way we can.  Please write back and let us know how you are doing.