Same here. I flat out refused to believe it. Moi????
I was more receptive by the 2nd visit and now I get it.

I'm a huge proponent of seeking second opinions, especially when it comes to a major issue that requires powerful treatments.

After I received a seronegative diagnosis, I decided that within a year I would seek a second opinion no matter what, just in case my doctor missed something. The second rheumatologist suggested some additional tests but, overall, it made me appreciate my first rheumatologist a lot more. I ended up going back to my first rheumatologist and telling her what the second one recommended and she ordered those tests which, ultimately, were not helpful.

I finally found a doctor who understood that seronegative RA was real. By the time I got my diagnosis I had been treated unsuccessfully for fibromyalgia, depression and lupus: almost 20years. So I did NOT want a second opinion I just wanted to get treatment because there were obvious signs RA was progressing.
That's my experience. You'll find your own way with your own autoimmune illness. I guess I was seeking second opinions all those years and failed treatment.
❤️