Negative test results

[Amymac818]

Got my blood results they said everything is fine and I don't need to be seen by rheumatology again I feel so deflated and upset i just want some kind of answer sorry to moan just feeling deflated this pain has been ongoing for 2 years and I'm fed up no way can it be nothing

[Simba1992]

Have you been checked on Fibromyalgi ? What about thyroid problems?

[Amymac818 in reply to Simba1992]

Nope I'm not even sure where I go next I'm gonna go see the doctor tommorow hoping they can help xx

[nomoreheels]

I'm a bit confused, not that unusual but hey! I understood from your previous post that your GP had referred you to Rheumatology. Was this latest 'normal' result taken by your GP or a Rheumy?

[DelicateInput]

Have a look on the NHS website. It states quite clearly that blood test results are unreliable and that referral should not be delayed on account of negative blood tests.

I had negative blood tests for quite a while initially, even though I had severe pain, swelling and disability. I then stopped swimming, going to the gym for a while and continued drinking and painkillers like Naproxen stopped working - and the blood tests went into the abnormal range.

Have you been taking painkillers, which are also anti inflammatories like Ibuprofen or Naproxen? These would affect the blood tests and possibly give a normal or reduced inflammation reading.

The NHS site clearly states that a lot of people (I think around half) test negative initially but turn positive later or after 12 months - and, by that time, it can be too late for conventional RA drugs to work. That happened to me as I had to wait six months for an appt with a lot of flitarsing around - then the drugs only worked partially.

In any case, further investigations like ultrasound, nerve conduction tests, x-rays should be done before discharging you and saying you do not need to be seen in rheumatology, ie there is nothing wrong. You are going to have to insist on these investigations with your GP - or else start making noises about making a complaint either to the GMC or the local patients group (sorry, I don't know offhand the correct name). This is really unacceptable.

Good luck. It is bad enough to be suffering like this without having a battle with the medical services on top.

[Downtime]

I've had RA for 3 years and always have negative results. My rheumy started treatment right away as he said that just because they're negative it doesnt mean you don't have it.

It looks as if I actually have Psa now, which always has negative results anyway, so they can't just rely on blood tests to diagnose you. This could be you too! Insist on further referral to rheumy. Good luck

[Ruffles13]

I know the feeling. It's so frustrating how do they know how much pain your in. My Rhummy done ultrasound on me and said its not active, yet I have painful wrists and swollen ankles. Now gave me appointment for 6 months time. Who do you turn to.