Constant pain suffered

[Callierae]

Hi.I've been suffering with chronic pain for a year now and I've had every blood test you can have and I have been told I have Fibromyalgia but I'm still awaiting outcome of blood test results and I've just been for an MRI today. I have constant pain and swelling in my ankles hips knuckles leg's and shoulders. Could anyone tell me if I have rheumatoid arthritis. As Fibromyalgia states no swelling. Thanks.x

[Downtime]

Just because blood tests are negative it doesn't mean you don't have RA. I am seronegative and the rheumatologist said up to 30% are, especially at the start. I would push for a diagnosis, because you probably need to get on to proper medication to avoid joint damage. Good luck.

[popsmith1874 in reply to Downtime]

Hi I'm also sero-negative and 2 years down the line are waiting to go on a biologic, looking back I would've pushed for a diagnosis sooner

[Callierae in reply to Downtime]

Thank you.I'm tired of phoning around and chasing up test results everyday. The rheumatoid arthritis Dr said she can't give me a complete diagnosis until she See's the MRI. Finger's crossed I'm hoping to get an answer soon as one year has been like five. X

[helixhelix]

We can't diagnose as it can be quite complicated to distinguish one from another. But they should be able to tell from an MRI. If you have inflammation that should show up under MRI even if your bloods are negative. And then it's more likely that you have an inflammatory arthritis like RA, or maybe one of the others.

[Hidden]

I hope your doctors can find out soon what you have with all these tests being done on you. Pain is awfully hard to live with.

I wish you well

Sue

[earthwitch]

Have you seen a rheumatologist? If you haven't, then you need to to rule out inflammatory arthritis. if you have seen one, then maybe you could talk to your GP about being referred to someone else for a second opinion. One way you can tell if its more likely to be inflammatory arthritis is if steroids relieve it considerably. You could also discuss with your GP whether it would be worth trying a short course of steroids as a help for diagnosis.

[Jora in reply to earthwitch]

I was initially diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and given a steroid injection of 180 mg ( that's a very big dose!). It worked brilliantly, by which I mean that I could roll out of bed, get to the loo where I had a loo riser , hold a proper teaspoon instead of a plastic one, but the effect faded within 2-3 weeks and I had to have another before I was taken into hospital as an inpatient. Then the consultant told me that , as well as giving me some relief, the injection was diagnostic. If it worked, but not completely and did not last, then something other than Polymyalgia Rheumatica was going on. The tests then all proved that I had very aggressive RA, and the conclusive diagnosis was Polymyalgia-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'm not quite sure if that tallies with what you wrote Earthwitch! I suppose it depends on how we term "considerably". Jo

[Callierae]

Thanks everyone. Hopefully I get answer's soon.x

[nomoreheels in reply to Callierae]

I think that's all you can do. It's impossible for us to know, only the Rheumy's findings can do that, with the help of the tests & MRI, but I do hope they're conclusive, it's difficult the not knowing.

When you've more information or even a diagnosis pop back on & we'll see how we can help. Good luck & I hope you've not too long to wait.

[Damaged]

It is very likely you are seronegative. Many people do not have positive RF or CCP. I would start by getting a copy of all your tests. Then you know what tests have been done. My GP kept insisting I had Fibromyalgia. I literally forced him to run more tests. Fortunately, my results were off the charts. There is no question I have severe RD. But a Rheumatologist goes by examination and clinical symptoms not just blood work. It certainly sounds like RA to me. I apparently have both along with several other conditions. The best advice is go to sites with onset stories. Autoimmune diseases mimic each other or share many characteristics. Do not assume it is RA there are many conditions which have joint swelling. Is it balateral ? On both sides ?