Hi Janine, nice to read your story. I too was B27 (+). Never heard of this and neither had my family, which makes th DX even more confounding. However, my great grandmother had osteoarthritis. Do research and keep hope.
Here I am 2 years later, HLAb27 (+) a C4-6 w/ C6-7 revision and L4-S1. You feel crazy when these Dr's are like, "oh, look at that. You must be in alot of pain. Oh yeah, a lifetime." As if the last 4 years I wanted sympathy. I changed primary-he wanted to DX fibromyalgia and send me home. I'm glad I know this body!! And my tolerance not to snap on Dr.s. lol

there's a blood test? The MRIs CT and xray really showed from T1 to then end of course I have 2 curves scoliosis which means one hip is also higher. the OA in hips, knees etc.

HBLA27 (?) negative means you don't have the genetic marker for AS. However, I don't have it, but my brother does and my symptoms are worse than his. I think it's more likely seen in males.

There are lots of strange symptoms you can have.... i have esophageal dysmotility in addition to the arthritis symptoms. You may never get some and some may come and go.

I have neg HLA-B27 AS. I was doubtful of my initial diagnosis given I work in medical field and had always gone with the notion that one HAD to have the HLA-B27 trait to have AS. Even with a horrible MRI of cervical and lumbar spine showing severe arthritis, having a neurologist tell me no one my age should have that much arthritis, I had been in pain for manyyy years and even when my new rheumatologist started me on meds, I was still skeptical. I’m here to say that since starting Humira.. I didn’t realize just how much pain I had been in all these years. I live a MUCH better quality of life now with more good days than bad. I’m so thankful for my diagnosis now and accept it 100%!