Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
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.

Can someone please confirm or deny whether or not a person with RA can appear inflammation free for periods of time?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Vancouver, BC

Hi 👋 I think i have RA. However, due to the difficulty and delay seeing Drs and Specialists, by the time I saw them I APPEARED symptom free. My bloodwork doesn't show it but I have a strong family line of diagnosed seronegative RA. My aunt is supportive and agrees with me to continue seeking a correct diagnosis. I am feeling gaslit by the Dr's when they tell me that with RA you are never without significant swelling. Am I wrong?

July 1
 · 
Be the first to react
A myRAteam Member

I have had RA for more than 25 years (diagnosed). There have been months and years when the symptoms go away, sometimes after taking medication for a while. Part of the disease is flares, and it's not consistent in terms of inflammation. Also, when I first got it long ago it took a while to get a diagnosis. After going to 2-3 doctors, one of them finally diagnosed me and put me on meds.

July 3
A myRAteam Member

Yes, you can have RA even though the RA factor isn't showing up, and even though you haven't had a flare up in a while. I have been diagnosed for RA since I was 25, I'm 61 now. I have went months without a flare up( been a long time) and then I have went months with flare ups. You definitely need a second opinion. That being said, and you are confirmed with RA, research all medications they may prescribe to you. Just because it's a doctor doesn't mean you have to listen to everything they tell you to do, or take. Trust me, I've had recommendations that made me far worse than before I started taking it. I seriously hope you stay in remission and never have to see a rheumatologist in your life! Sending Blessings!!

July 1
myRAteam

First of all, hi! 👋 Your frustration is completely valid, and no, you are not wrong.

Yes, a person with RA absolutely can appear symptom-free for periods of time. RA symptoms naturally cycle between flare-ups (when symptoms worsen) and remission (when symptoms ease or disappear). This is actually a well-recognized pattern Show Full Answer

First of all, hi! 👋 Your frustration is completely valid, and no, you are not wrong.

Yes, a person with RA absolutely can appear symptom-free for periods of time. RA symptoms naturally cycle between flare-ups (when symptoms worsen) and remission (when symptoms ease or disappear). This is actually a well-recognized pattern of the disease. The doctor's claim that RA always presents with significant swelling is misleading. Here's why your situation makes complete sense:

- RA symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling can come and go
- Flares can last days or months, followed by periods where symptoms reduce significantly
- Seronegative RA means bloodwork may not show typical RA markers, making diagnosis harder
- Having a strong family history of seronegative RA is a meaningful risk factor worth investigating A myRAteam member shared a very similar experience, saying their tests were repeatedly negative due to being seronegative, and they got worse before receiving a proper diagnosis based on their clinical presentation alone.

Keeping a detailed symptom diary, including dates, locations, and severity of symptoms, is strongly recommended. This gives doctors a clearer picture beyond what one appointment can show. Continuing to push for a rheumatologist who takes your full history and family background seriously is absolutely the right move. You deserve to be heard. 💙

July 1

Related Questions

View All

Why do I have a hard lump on the top of my hand near the wrist

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Cedar Lake, IN
August 3

Please assist me. I do have RA for 26 years.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Pretoria, ZA
August 7

Managing Inflammation and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Vasculitis: The Risks of RA Inflammation
Can Leg Cramps Be a Side Effect of Methotrexate for RA?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In