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Need Help With Diagnosis.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Gilbert, AZ

Hi everyone. So I sort of feel like a fraud because I haven't been diagnosed with RA... Yet. I have all the stiffness, morning swelling in hands, flu-like fatigue, flushing and hot hands... There is literally a laundry list of other symptoms that k won't go into. My RF was just slightly elevated and that was what prompted my GP to send me to a rheumatologist. I also had an episode 5 years ago where my RF was slightly elevated, but was within normal range 3 month later when retested.

In any… read more

February 18, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone struggling to get a diagnosis despite classic RA symptoms but normal bloodwork, with many sharing their own... Read more

Members rallied around someone struggling to get a diagnosis despite classic RA symptoms but normal bloodwork, with many sharing their own experiences of being seronegative (RF negative) yet still having real and debilitating rheumatoid arthritis that required treatment. Several members offered practical advice including keeping a daily symptom diary to bring to appointments, requesting an MRI instead of relying solely on X-rays and bloodwork, seeking a second opinion or switching doctors if dismissed, and understanding that seronegative RA is a legitimate diagnosis that deserves the same aggressive treatment as seropositive RA. A recurring theme was fierce encouragement to trust your body, advocate relentlessly for yourself, and refuse to accept being dismissed when you know something is wrong, because early treatment makes a significant difference in both physical and mental health outcomes.

A myRAteam Member

My xrays and blood are fine also. I had an mri of my hands that confirmed ra.

March 23, 2016
A myRAteam Member

There are many types of Arthritis. I have Reactive arthritis, it attacks tendons and connective tissue. I am RF sero-negative but I am treated with Rh drugs. My RH startedmthe meds right away, I saw him twice a month for 6 months.
Write down in a notebook daily pain level. What hurts, how bad it is and what you did. This is your best defense for your appt. You could have things associated with RA but also Fibro or something else. Be vigilant and try to get a 2nd opinion after you keep your diary for a few months!

February 25, 2016
A myRAteam Member

There is 'sero-negative' Rheumatoid arthritis. Basically the typical lab tests can be normal but you experience the RA symptoms. Keep a daily log about your day, fatigue, meds, pain. Take it with you to the doctor for review. Your story sounds very similar to many of us. Don't get discouraged. HUGS

February 18, 2016
A myRAteam Member

It was several years before my RF was positive. But, I had all the outward signs and was blessed to find medical providers who took that all seriously and treated me. Keep looking till you find the right Rheumatologist. Good luck!

February 28, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Keep up with reading on this site and others and go back to dr if you are really hurting! Remember the dr is supposed to care and if not find another one!

February 19, 2016

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