Is Inflammatory Arthritis RA?

[gr95]

Stupid question, been diagnosed for six years since 20 but it’s always been written as:

Seronegative inflammatory arthritis.

It was once written as RA and once as Oligoarthritis.

Is there any difference. I am negative rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP and HLA B27.

Three years ago my DSA28 score equates to a 2.36 as two affected joints but do need a medication change from just 200mg Hydroxychloroquine as both joints are still affected with no change either way. ESR 13 and CRP 4.

Haven’t been able to do face to face since 2019 to have that updated.

But if anyone can answer that question in any detail thanks.

[AgedCrone]

We are just patients like you gr95…..we really can’t comment…you need to see a rheumatologist & get an up to date professional clinical opinion.Test results are not simple…the same results for Patient A could need different treatment From Patient B.

Maybe in the New Year you could push for a f2f appointment with your rheumatologist?

Have you spoken to your rheumy nurse about your concerns?

I didn’t check…..are you in the U.K.?

I hope 2022 brings you some clarity.

[gr95 in reply to AgedCrone]

Yep Wales, should have at least a phone appointment Jan for a med swap!

[helixhelix]

Inflammatory arthritis is the generic term, a bit like saying you have bought fruit….and then the specific diseases under that umbrella are like which individual fruits. Rheumatoid arthritis is the lemon……

Oligoarthritis is when you have a few joints affected with arthritis, polyarthritis is when you have lots of joints affected.

Would be helpful if docs made this clear.

[stbernhard]

Hello, you will find answers to your question on the NRAS website. Well worth a visit for anything related with RA or Rheumatism. I hope you'll find answer.

[nomoreheels]

As I understand it Inflammatory Arthritis is an umbrella term, a heading if you like for an autoimmune disease that goes on the attack & which affects tissue & multiple joints. So RD, PsA, Lupus, AS… all come under the heading of IA but have their own names due to various or different involvement. Maybe being seronegative your Rheumy by calling it IA isn't yet convinced which particular one you have or if it could develop into a particular one. QIt could be down the line you have PsA or AS as both can come from a seronegative diagnosis (no RF or anti-CCP present).

As you've not been seen in clinic for two years I’d make noises to be seen. Anything over a year I find isn't good. You need examining to see if your current dose is ok or needs amending, even though it's just the one DMARD it is a specialist med & being on 200mg it may need increasing or it could be you'd benefit from changing for a different one. You have previously asked us about pain in different joints, something your Rheumy would have been able to examine & discuss with you in that time.

Can I ask if you were given appointments or options to see a Rheumy Nurse in between Rheumy appointments, or a given helpline number when you were first diagnosed? If so try calling them, see what they suggest. Otherwise have a word with your GP, he may choose to email your Rheumy for advice or request you're seen. You really should be being seen more regularly than you are, even if relatively well controlled.

Do keep us updated.

[gr95 in reply to nomoreheels]

Great reply thanks! I have two affected joints not improved or worsened since last seen start of 2020. I have a phone appointment late January to at least discuss new meds and such and next steps to really nipping this in the bud!

[Hidden]

Hello

If you need further information about RA, you can contact the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) on 0800 298 7650. We also have a website nras.org.uk which has information and resources which you may find useful.