Hi Tina...I haven't heard of the med you're taking. But you probably know that you can have neg testing for RA and still have it. I'm sero-negative, a lot of us on the board are. With those symtoms, and with having your sis having it, I would absolutly get another opinion. And Iwouldn't wait either. If you do have it, early treatment is important. Welcome to the board. :)Sounds like the same places I hurt and I was diagnosed with RA. Besides your negative test for RA what other blood work did he order? My diagnosis was made based on CCP, ESR levels, the appearance of my joints being red, warm to the touch and swollen and the fact that the pain was symmetrical. I did not test positive right away for RA. Maybe you need a second opinion.another sero negative RA patient here!!
Don't get discouraged by your doctor writing you off like that... find a second or third opinion.
My first RD (rhematologist) said I had a virus....
So.. this is not always an easy thing to diagnose...but don't stop....because as was said, it is important to get help as soon as possible..
good luck to you...
babs
Hi Tina and welcome. I agree with the others...get a second opinion. There are many of us here that are sero-negative. With those symptoms, and now a family history, you need to be sure. Be sure that you see a rheumatologist, and get a copy of your blood work results (if your doctor doesn't give it to you, the lab should provide a copy).
Diclofenac is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that sometimes is sold under the name Voltaren. I took it years ago, but I'm currently taking Relafen instead. NSAID's can upset your stomach. Have you tried taking it on a full stomach? If you're still having trouble, and especially if it's affecting your sleep, ask your doctor to prescribe a different NSAID...there are many and if one doesn't work well for you, another might.
It may help some of your inflammatory symptoms, but if you do have RA, it will not stop the disease process, so it is important to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
I too would get a second opinion especially since your sister has it. I was put on diclofenac and had bad stomach cramps too. It was awful. I called and got another med called relafan and it is easier on my stomach. I take it twice a day on a full stomach.
Good luck and take care
Call that dr soon!
Hi and welcome!
Please get another opinion.
Hugs,
Pip
Hi and welcome, I too would get another opinion, it does sound like RA but you could be sero negative . Good luck
take care
Hi and welcome. Like they said, please get a second opinion. Welcome to AI!
I'm seronegative as well. There are several criteria used to dignosis RA. You may not have it.....but blood work alone shouldn't be the only deciding factors.
Glad you're here.
Welcome to the board.
I would definately get another opinion. Are you able to see the same RD as your sister?
Welcome
I am also Sero-negative!
I was originally diagnosed with Palindromic Rheumatism 7 years ago because the symptoms moved from joint to joint and of it's intermittent nature. 5 years on became more progressive and now re-diagnosed as RA. All my blood works are normal and MRI Scan shows synovitis but no damage.
Good luck with your Rheumy visit,
Take Care
Elaine x
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