You guys are awesome.  Great advice from all.  I had a great weekend (kept moving) and I've been looking into anti-inflamation diets, losing some more weight and things to improve or maintain my range of motion.  I still plan to get in and let the doc take a good look at the old spine.  I'm a bit of a control freak though.  I still want to do things and have some say before I get a lecture...lol  Who knows?  I know I have that stupid marker in my blood work, but maybe this is JUST creeky old joints with years of abuse on them.  That would be great news.

Responding to a couple items here...

From Wikipedia: "Approximately 90% of AS patients express the HLA-B27 genotype, meaning there is a strong genetic association. 1-2% of individuals with the HLA-B27 genotype contract the disease."

I know 1-2% is scary.  Up until age 25 I had similar percentages for a different, but similarly devastating, potential diagnoses.  But try to get to the rational side of your brain that can see those numbers for what they are.  You have the marker, so they can't rule out this diagnosis.  That's all it means, nothing more. At this point, it's all about the symptoms, so try to limit your agonizing to those. 

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Your doctor's job is to tell you what your options are, including the benefits and risks, and then work with what you decide.  There is rarely a "right answer," just the answer that's right for you.  If your doctor tries to make decisions for you, get a new doctor.

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I'll join the chorus encouraging you to make the appointment today.  With a non acute situation like you describe, it can take months to get in to see a specialist, so chances are by the time the appointment rolls around you'll be ready for it.

I just saw this....shoot so sorry to hear hoping that this is not the case, and if it is you will find a way to manage it so it doesn't affect your daily life too badly and maybe even allows you to continue to run!!! Best wishes and please keep us updated!