I am having a lot of problems getting a diagnosis. I have stiffness in my fingers and my thumb joints are very painful. I have fatigue etc too. I have tested seronegative and the xrays appear normal. I have read that this can be the case early on. The problem is that I am starting to feel like a hypochondriac. I know my syptoms are mild but they are starting to get me down. Ibuprofen and Naproxen seem to help but I don't want to take too much of them.
Am I just a hypochondriac or should I keep hassling my doctor?
Many people have a hard time getting a diagnosis at first. Don't let anyone make you feel like a hypochondriac. I know that's easier said than done. I had several people apologize after I received my RA diagnosis for not being supportive sooner - they just couldn't see how I could limp on one foot one day, and on the other foot the next. You're taking the right steps. Your doctor needs to treat you for your symptoms, not your test results. Ultimately you are the one in control, and you pay your doctor to provide a service for you. If he's not doing a good job, fire him and find a new doctor that will treat your symptoms aggressively. Early aggressive treatment can make all the difference in your later years.
Good luck and I hope you're able to get the treatment you need.
Mandi
Hi Nikihh,
I agree with Mandi. Arthritis can be hard to diagnose in the very early stages. I think most of us went through the stage of doubting ourselves when drs try to pass it off. In the early stage, x-rays don't show any damage and won't often for a long time. A great many people never test positive for the RA factor. Also there are 170 types of arthritis.
Hang in there and you can always come here for support. Good luck to you.
Barb
Thanks. It makes me feel better reading the messages on this board. My husband has been very supportive and keeps me going.
I have had a particularly bad day today so I am going to make a doctors appointment and ask him to refer me to a rheumatologist.
Fingers crossed.
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