Hello, I am new to this forum & I have a few questions. I was diagnosed with Fibromialgia & CHF in 1997. Last month my Rheumetologist ran some blood work because I've had such pain in my feet to the point of hardly being able to walk in the morning, it does get better as the day goes on unless I sit for a long period of time. I also have lower & upper back pain. I did get my blood work results & the HLA-B27 came back positive. I never heard of Ankylosing Spondylitis?? I did hear if you get a positive HLA-B27 you have AS? Can someone tell me if this is true? My pain in my hands, wrists, feet, lower & upper back became pretty intense so the doctor called in 4mg Methylprednisolone. It seemed to help, but the pain is returning?? I will see my Rheumetologist in January. All this is new to me, the Fibro was enough to deal with, but now this AS is a whole different disease, & a lot of pain!? Can someone out there help me?? My biggest question is, is a positive HLA-B27 a diagnosis for AS? Is the pain treatable, God I sure hope so ! I hope to hear from someone out there?? God's Blessings to you! Not true. If you test positive for the HLA-B27 antigen you carry the gene......but it doesn't mean you will necessarily end up with the disease.