Keep looking for a good doc! I am "sero-negative". Which meansthat myblood work is usually fairly normal.... even with obviously red, swollen joints and plenty of other symptoms. BUT not all docs believe (I guess would be a good way to describe it) it if they can't see it. Does that make sense? Even if the new rheumy writes you off, go to another one.

I was RA negative for 5 years but I had RA. Find a better Dr.

My PCP did the blood tests, RF, Sed rate, and C-reactive because he saw the swelling between my knuckles. Otherwise I just thought I had aches and pains cause of my age. I did think I was crazy cause one day it was my rt knee, then 3 days later it was Lt wrist, 2 days later Rt hand and wrist.

My ra dr said he goes by how you look and the look of your joints. He goes by look more than he does the bloodwork. If your on steroids your inflammation marks are not gonna be high. You need to try and get in with a ra dr and let him asses you

Back pain is probably not from RA. With you bending down to relieve pain sounds like a herniated disc. You are probably like me, you have RA and osteoarthritis also in your back. The stiffness in the morning is all RA related. You probably need to see a orthopedic doctor specializing in back problems for your back.