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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How long to receive a diagnosis?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
St. Catharines, ON

Been seeing a rheumatologist since 2021 since my symptoms started, also by other specialists cardiologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, urologist and orthopedic surgeons. Also a massage therapist, physiotherapist
All top of the symptoms I am experiencing, I was hit by a car on August 6 2024 which created lots of new symptoms and issues. Can that also be making it difficult to receive a diagnosis
Current medical conditions diagnosed with: Asthma, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),… read more

February 19
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You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now What? Read Article...
A myRAteam Member

I have a few if those illnesses and more, but still

February 19
A myRAteam Member

My diagnosis was fast - dual seropositive RA. So, positive labs combined with symptoms and swollen, painful joints made it an easy diagnosis for me.

February 19
A myRAteam Member

When I was diagnosed in 2015, the Dr took bloodwork and it didn't take long at all. They look for certain antibodies that you have or don't, can't remember been awhile. And I have a different Dr. I sure would be asking

February 19
myRAteam

How long does it typically take to receive an RA diagnosis, and could your recent accident be complicating the process?

Getting an RA diagnosis can be a long and frustrating journey. Many people see multiple specialists before receiving a definitive diagnosis. In one study, almost half of people saw two doctors before Show Full Answer

How long does it typically take to receive an RA diagnosis, and could your recent accident be complicating the process?

Getting an RA diagnosis can be a long and frustrating journey. Many people see multiple specialists before receiving a definitive diagnosis. In one study, almost half of people saw two doctors before seeing a rheumatologist, and 21 percent saw four or more specialists.

The diagnostic process can take months or even years. One member shared it took six years to get their RA diagnosis, while others experienced delays of several years as doctors explored other possibilities first.

Your recent car accident could indeed make diagnosis more challenging. New trauma can create additional symptoms and inflammation that may overlap with or mask RA symptoms, making it harder for your rheumatologist to distinguish what's related to the accident versus an underlying autoimmune condition. Several factors can complicate RA diagnosis in your situation:

• You have osteoarthritis, which shares some symptoms with RA but has different characteristics
• Multiple existing conditions can create overlapping symptoms
• Blood tests aren't always definitive - some people have seronegative RA where antibodies don't show up in testing
• Recent trauma from your accident may be creating additional inflammation and pain

If you're experiencing persistent joint swelling, warmth, stiffness (especially morning stiffness lasting hours), and symmetrical joint involvement, keep documenting these symptoms. Consider keeping a detailed journal to share with your rheumatologist.

If you feel uncertain about your current diagnostic process, seeking a second opinion from another rheumatologist is completely reasonable and may provide clarity or confirm your current treatment path.

February 19
A myRAteam Member

After the wound on my hand was reviewed by general doctor then was referred to RA doctor who had looked at the x-rays that were done I was given the diagnosis of having rheumatoid arthritis that day. We began Plaquenil that day, that was in 2013.

I have other health issues going on and thankfully all medical specialist doctors work together to ensure the medication taken works well keeping me healthy.

February 21

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Just wondering how many of you have more going on than just RA?

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