Sero Negative

I understand that I have diagnosed RA. What I don't understand is I show severe inflammation visually and on ultrasound. Remote viewing of blood test results show well controlled.

I just do not understand it. Does anyone else present the same as me?

I have tried to read up on Sero but there is not a great deal of info showing?

[merne]

Being seronegative means that you don't show Rheumatoid Factor in your bloods. Its more useful to look at how you feel and the effect your disease has on you rather than this blood test.

[Downtime]

Hi Siamese,

Sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and I have never had anything showing in my blood tests. Apparently 30-40% are seronegative at diagnosis.

Treatment is the same in any case and many change to being seropositive within the first 2 years. It is believed that if you remain seronegative the disease has a less erosive effect but the inflammation is still the same.

Hope the treatment works quickly and you soon get into remission.

[marie66 in reply to Downtime]

Thanks, we'll said! M x

[Hidden]

Hi Siamise17,

we hear this all the time on the helpline, both ways. People feel fine but their blood results show inflammation or vice versa, they feel really bad and are in pain with swollen joints but the blood tests come back normal. Infuriating disease, isn't it? You know your body better than anyone so trust that.

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Hidden]

Hi Beverley

Thank you for replying, I have been diagnosed about 6 years now and have only just found this forum it has been so very helpful.

My feet are constantly incredibly painful, toes curled and I can only move two of them the rest seemed to of fused themselves 😀 my ring finger and little finger are bent in to my palm and I shuffle like I have been filled with quick drying cement and that's on a good day.

Blood test results show normal/ well controlled it is so frustrating.

I have also been diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome. Apparently it means my brain misfires or wrongly interprets pain. (I think that's what it means).

Upside I am still working albeit only 4 hour shifts and no more than 2 days in a row on a rolling rota and have incredibly supportive friends. Perfect.

P

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You may find this link on the NHS website helpful about your fingers:

nhs.uk/conditions/Trigger-f...

Beverley

[Helzbells]

My bloods are always normal except for the anti-ccp which is only slightly higher than normal. It's a disease that makes no sense as other people can have high inflammatory markers and be feeling fine. It is suspected I also have chronic pain syndrome but this is from the inflammation. It seems inflammation goes but the pain remains

[marie66 in reply to Helzbells]

That makes sense about the inflammation and residual pain! Never thought about it like that! M x

[premierscfc]

I was Sero positive 23 years ago around the time I was diagnosed and I was told 5 years later that I was Negative and now I'm Positive again or as I was told that my Rhehmatiod Factor was very high.

Hope this doesn't make you more confused.

[Juliachoo]

I was misdiagnosed with Osteo 5 years ago when nothing showed up in my bloods. I believed them & was told I had to " just learn to live with it" so went away until a consultant who operated on my shoulder questioned the diagnosis nearly 4 years later, ordered an anti ccp test & bingo it was 130 above normal. & definately RA. Therefore although you are seri negative at least you are getting it sorted. I feel that I was left in Limbo & with hindsight could have received treatment much earlier & it would have prevented such damage, , good luck with your treatment, xx