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Anyone always have their labs come back normal but have pain. I always have normal labs but my hips are killing me and I feel at a loss. The xrays were normal as well. It makes you feel like you’re lying to your doctor when that happens. She wants me to start Amjevita for the pain but left it up to me since the labs were normal so now I’m more confused than ever. I do take hydroxychloroquin bu the way. Sad!!!
Answer Summary
Members shared their experiences with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, where labs appear normal despite ongoing joint pain and inflammation,... Read more
It's possible to experience significant pain even when blood tests appear normal. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:
- Pain Levels: Patients often report varying pain levels over different periods, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. This can include difficulty performing basic tasks like getting out of bed Show Full Answer
Good morning, Corrie! I feel your pain and frustration! I, too, feel pain, daily in my hips, wrists, fingers, ankles, toes and tendons in my hands and feet, despite having normal labs now. I am Seronegative for the RA factor, too. I had a X-ray recently that revealed that I have Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc disease too! I used to walk 4.5 miles per day just 3 years ago and am lucky to do 1/4 a mile now because the pain in my hips, ankles and feet becomes unbearable. I have been taking Hydroxychloroquine since June 2022 and it does give me some relief like the fact I can actually using a writing utensil or keyboard in the morning which I couldn't do when I started, but continued to have visible inflammation/warmth, so my new Rheumatologist at my very first visit prescribed Methotrexate. I have taken it for 3 months which is supposed to be the marking point for most people having improvement, but I did not. I did, though develop a GI reaction with cramps, lower appetite, change in bowel habits,and some skin changes. So, my Rheumatologist told me not to take it today and let her know how I am feeling by next Wednesday. Ugh....I don't want to take Biologics because I totally understand what they do to the precious cells in the immune system ( TNF blockers) like fighting off potential cancers! The only difference I have seen with Methotrexate is that some of my visible swelling went down, but if I do too many activities, even normal chores, my swelling and warmth return.
I eat very healthy which I have always done, eating a Mediterranean Diet, but am being even stricter now, by refusing to eat out, avoiding chicken and turkey which I didn't realize can be inflammatory (especially dark meat), eating more fish and seafood, and will be increasing my intake of local, organic, pasture-raised beef, and lean cuts of local, organic, pasture-raised pork which I have stayed away form for 3 years. The only oils I utilize in cooking are Extra Virgin, cold-pressed Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil and organic, grass-fed butter.
I hope you find relief and know you are not alone, feeling frustrated and feeling like a liar! Hang in there, Sweetie, and I will send Positive Vibes your way! ☺️
When I was diagnosed my ANA levels were off the chart. I've been on hydroxycloriquine since the methotrexate gave me an allergic reaction. I am seronegative. I refused biologics for years because the hydroxycloriquine worked, but then I started getting worse and I started biologics. It's hit or miss with this and it's a rough road, but if there's a shot at remission from this pain I'm going to try. Good luck to you ! 🙏❤️
Yes I have and I’m on the same medication. It has actually helped me a lot and reversed my degree of osteoporosis. No pain in back like before.
Good morning Corrie,
You may have seronegative RA, meaning all your labs will be normal, but you have symptoms of RA. Do you have any signs of erosions in your joints? Usually, X-rays are used to determine the extent of damage you may have. I've added an article for you about Seronegative RA.
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/rheumatology...
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