I get that feeling also.  I guess I don't won't to sound like I'm whining all the time.  I've stared giving my notes to my rheumy.  It seems to work for me.

It's not you, its your rheumy.  They should be answering all of our questions.  I did aqua therapy and it was great.

Please do not be so hard on yourself.  This is a difficult disease to deal with on so many levels.  If you have a firm Dx your Rhuemy should be understanding, especially if you are newly diagnosed.  This is an excellent format for getting some of your general questions answered.  Also www.spondylitis.org is a great web site and has all sorts of information.  They even have a dvd available with special exercises just for AS.  Swimming or even getting in the water and walking is good for taking the weight off your joints.  I hope this helps.