Aa
Test cannot confirm Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hi guys,
I was never officially (no blood test or RA specialist was seen) diagnosed with RA. I just had the symptoms and my doctor suggested over the counter medication to counter the problem. The medication has been working for close to 10 years without any problem. My doctor passed on in the process.
Recently the pains started getting severe and I visited a doctor (general practitioner) to prescribe something stronger for me. He gave me only a week supply which worked like charm and insisted I do blood tests. The results are as follows:
ESR: 2 mm/h
C-Reactive Protein: 1.5 mg/L
Outcome: Negative
My question is: has anyone of you ever experienced my predicament? I cannot get the same prescription anymore :-(
I was never officially (no blood test or RA specialist was seen) diagnosed with RA. I just had the symptoms and my doctor suggested over the counter medication to counter the problem. The medication has been working for close to 10 years without any problem. My doctor passed on in the process.
Recently the pains started getting severe and I visited a doctor (general practitioner) to prescribe something stronger for me. He gave me only a week supply which worked like charm and insisted I do blood tests. The results are as follows:
ESR: 2 mm/h
C-Reactive Protein: 1.5 mg/L
Outcome: Negative
My question is: has anyone of you ever experienced my predicament? I cannot get the same prescription anymore :-(
Hello. Did you doctor test for your rheumatoid factor? I would suggest seeing a Rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis. Bloodwork is only one component of the diagnosis. A rheumatologist would diagnose you based on your symptoms and bloodwork. Good luck!
What is the name of the medication you were recently prescribed?
Which joints are affected? Is it on one or both sides of your body?
Do you get redness, warmth, swelling, feel lousy all over when you have these flare ups?
It is possible that you do not have RA but instead have a different type of arthritis (PA). I would suggest that you see a Rheumatologist and bring copies of your lab reports and any films and records you have.
In the meantime, when you do get a flare of pain, ice it the first few days, then try heat. If you find it makes it worse, then do the opposite, but that usually works for most. Let us know how you do.
Which joints are affected? Is it on one or both sides of your body?
Do you get redness, warmth, swelling, feel lousy all over when you have these flare ups?
It is possible that you do not have RA but instead have a different type of arthritis (PA). I would suggest that you see a Rheumatologist and bring copies of your lab reports and any films and records you have.
In the meantime, when you do get a flare of pain, ice it the first few days, then try heat. If you find it makes it worse, then do the opposite, but that usually works for most. Let us know how you do.
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