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Hello: This is my first time here....looking for some information that moight shed some light on recent pain and suffering. Seems like  each evening a light stiffness in a joint or two or three gets worse and becomes almost unbearable. Have not been to a doctor just recently but a few months ago he had blood tests done which did NOT indicate rheuamatoid arthritis apparently. I have had this sort of attack two or three times in the past and it "passes" after a bit....not sure that is happening this time though.

AchingAudrey2008-11-30 11:58:36Blood tests don't always show RA.  About 20% of people with RA have negative blood work.  I would ask your Dr. for a referral to a Rheumatologist, who will do more tests and will be able to put your symptoms together to form a diagnosis.  Sounds like you are having flares that settle down and flare up again.  Definintely see a Rheumatologist. Good luck!Thank you for the advice....I had come to the same conclusion...to press for referral to a specialist. I live in an area where there are few specialists in that category and I may have to wait quite awhile  but I should at least start the ball rolling, I think. You should be seen as soon as you can get an appointment. My blood work was normal for quite some time. Had all the symptoms and flairs, THEN my blood work changed. Dodger - are you Palindromic?  My PRA/RA started and I was waaaay worse at night which my rheumy told me was 'unusual'.  It's not that unusual. My research indicates that Aleve is the best OTC NSAIDS RAers should use.  My two cents - hang in here with us, we are pulling for you.  Take care ~~ Cathy

Sorry that you aren't finding answers yet.   Those with RA don't always have positive tests, so don't let your doctor dismiss the symptoms.  It's more often the symptoms, not the test results that can lead to a diagnois.   It's best to see a rheumatologist,  so try to get that appointment soon.   My RA started out with the unbearable pain in one joint for a few days and then it was gone for awhile.  Over the next few months, the stiffness started to be more constant.   I went to my GP and  he did bloodwork and some tests were slightly positive, but he wanted me to hold off for a few months.  I then had another attack the next month, went back and told him something just wasn't right.   Luckily, he referred me right away and I was able to get a diagnosis very early.    

Hello: Without knowing much about what you refer to, I suspect there could be a corerelation. The pain I experience seems to move nightly...from one joint to another. One night it may be left knee, for example,  or maybe right shoulder......etc etc. Id that the sort of thing that qualifies?????????tHANK  YOU for the valuable advice...I intend to get the GP moving on a referral. The unfortunate aspect is that I live in an area with very few specialsts in that field so there will, of necessity, be quite a wait I suspect.
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