If you can't be upfront and be able to talk to your rheumy then Maybe he/she is not tbe rheumy for you.

Oh my gosh so weird you posted this! My rheumatologist just told me they think I've been diagnosed incorrectly for the last 10 years and that I have AS not sero-negative RA! I would just ask to be tested that's what I do. I asked them to test me for Cushing's syndrome yesterday and they told me (without testing) I have it for sure because of my symptoms and long term steroid use. Don't ever be afraid to ask!! Best of luck to you

I think if you can't talk to your Dr meaning they aren't receptive to legit questions you have or tests that you want done then they may not be the right dr for you. I say go in with a list of your symptoms and say can you test me for lymes? I'm very surprised they didn't test you in the beginning it seems to be standard for most sero-negative diagnoses?

Yikes!

My primary care Dr. tested me immediately for Lyme Disease when I came in with my symptoms in early July. He also submitted the tests for gout, RA, Arthritic panel, CRP and Sed Rate. Based on my CRP and Sed Rate results he referred me to a rheumatologist she then tested using the Vectar DA and my number came in as high. Ask your Dr. make sure they do the test.