my experience

I don't have a lot to add. It took me a long time to get a proper diagnosis. I had typical onset age/symptoms (looking in retrospect). My rheumatologist had me try various meds. After a bunch that did nothing for me (um, Naproxin? Relafen? I don't remember all the names) I finally got on Celebrex and got instant relief.

UPDATED: My new rheum tried me on Indocid and I had terrible reaction to it, it gave me blinding headaches.

It took forever to get an appointment with Arthritis Society, but once I did, they were very helpful. I went there on multiple successive visits (it's free). They gave me lots of exercises to do. I did none of them.

My main problem in general is that I do no exercises (other than walking).

In general the AS doesn't interfere much with my life, I'm sore all the time but it's not debilitating.
I have very limited mobility in my neck but this would get better if I ever did any of the aforementioned exercises.

I think the most important aspects of this thing are to get it diagnosed early (be aware of symptoms and get a qualified rheum to check it out) and then just exercise and good diet, like everything.

-- Richard