I feel like I'm typing on bone or that my fingerprints have worn away.

[SilverShamrock]

So, first post. I dont know where I belong yet. I'm a 40 year old female. I've had hand/wrist pain (RSI) for over 10 years in my right hand. A few years ago the flareups got worse. I started getting swelling on my pip joints (both hands). Sharp pain in my dip joints and a hot padded pain in my palm on my dip joints that mean I can't make a fist properly (both hands) I finally gave in and went back the Drs who said RA. The rheumatologist barely looked up from his desk and said no chance. Probably just a little bit of wear and tear (OA). I've no rheumatoid factor but did have significant b12/folate/d deficiencies which didn't improve on pills do now I've started b12 injections. I get the feeling if nothing comes back on the other blood tests or xrays (hand and feet) that I'll be sent packing with my tail between my legs.

I don't quite fit the description of either arthritis fully.

I've got to wait till August now. It seems like a long wait to be possibly told there's nothing wrong (there is).

Photo is from a good day. I think I can only upload one.

[Hidden]

Hi Silver Shamrock. It does sound like you have a lot of the symptoms of RA, but of course, we are not medical, so we (I at least) would just be guessing. I would recommend that you keep a daily / multi time log, along with photos to take with you to your doctors appointment. Keep in mind too that the blood tests are not are not the definitive answer. You can be what is called sero negative, which means that your blood tests will not show increases. Search in the box on the top right of this board for sero negative and you will find lots of information that may help you or at least help you feel better... Good luck with your next step on this path, and gentle hugs

[Doughnut61 in reply to Hidden]

My RA didn’t show in blood tests x Did the Rheumatologist Do more blood tests for anti CCP? My came back very high which proved I have aggressive sero positive RA.

[SilverShamrock in reply to Doughnut61]

Yes, he's done the other blood tests but told me in no uncertain terms nothing will come back. Which is fine. OA is probably preferable to RA in terms of effect on the body. I don't get the results till August! I'm just worried I'll be one of those people waiting years and years for a diagnosis...