Does anyone know if FMS is a predisposed condition of the HLA b27 genetic marker? I know my seronegative arthritis is, as are types of IBD

[kraftyk8]

[LindseyMid]

I actually don't know either! I must look into this. If you find out kraftyk8, let us know!

You can be sero-negative for many things, including Lupus. It's a big problem in the UK that many doctors will only diagnose SLE after a positive ANA result, whereas in the US, there are 11 diagnostic criteria for SLE - you need 4 to have SLE strongly suspected - and only one is ANA:

medicinenet.com/systemic_lu...

I've come across a few people over the years who were showing clear signs of RA or SLE, but because they had a negative ANA, they were told it must just be Fibro, only to be diagnosed years later, after which they have had unnecessary damage done to their bodies!

[Artyrosie]

I am SO glad and relieved that you have mentioned this. After 17 years of FM I recently began to have very inflamed and swollen toes and knuckles/fingers, suggestion RA. The test is negative and my (useless and soon to be changed) GP seems to think that because this is so I am just making a fuss about nothing! You have encouraged me to push for proper diagnosis and treatment - perhaps the right thing is to ask for a referral to a rheumatologist?

[kraftyk8 in reply to Artyrosie]

You have to remember that GP's in general are Jack of all, master of none. Bless them, it's very hard for them to keep up with everything when it is continually changing. That having been said, the one I'm registered with is a complete twat! I never see him I always make an appointment with one of the others at the practice. I would do the same in the first instance if you can. You should very calmly tell them that you want a second opinion and would really like a referral to a Rheumatologist and if they start prevaricating, just as calmly ask them if they are refusing to refer you. If they say yes, tell them that you want that recorded in your notes. Unfortunately, we don't have the right to be referred, but they hate putting themselves in a position where their lack of action could possibly come back and bite them on the bum. Good luck

[LindseyMid]

Yes, definitely. RA (and SLE) can be seronegative (doesn't show in blood tests), especially in the early days - it often then shows up in blood tests years later.

[FibroMel]

I know there is a link between HLAB27 and Ankolosing spondylitis and also with psoriatic arthritis. The problem is here in the West of Ireland, the gene is very common and many people have the gene and no symptoms. It's a Scandinavian gene and evidence of our Viking ancestry! Could easily be linked to fibro but I have no proof of this. I really think fibro has genetic elements. My mom has it,I have it, and I suspect my son has it.

[Rach1977]

Wow, never heard of this HLAB27 before...need to do some research before I go back to my GP next week as I will be asking him about Lupus!!!!!......

Can you clever ones tell me what I should be asking???? x

[Hidden]

i too have this positive gene, and was told by my rheumatoligist that i have a seronegative arthropathy, which basiclly does not tick all the boxes for RA, i have high levels of inflammation in the blood.

so it makes u wonder. have had mri's and now have troncheric bursitis in both hips which i had to have lots of painful injections into the bone until i couldnt have anymore. which started of calification. then a course of lithotryipsy which was painful but all no joy, all the symptoms back off each other.

i also am new to this site, but so glad i found it, as others experience the same, my family just nod and make the sympathetic noises but dont really understand as it can t be seen!