still no diagnosis | Arthritis Information

so i had my rheumatologist appointment today.
i was nervous because i though i was finally going to be diagnosed, and in a weird way, i felt relieved. my MD told me my lab work the Rheumy did came back "abnormal" but that he preferred i speak to the Rheumy about it.
so when i went in to see him, he told me my SED rate is 59. high, yes. but it was 58 last time and 129 the time before that. and my rheumatoid factor is in the higher part of normal range. its the same that it has been the last two times.
so the main thing is that in not getting better, but its not really getting worse either. so its hard to diagnose me right now.
i still havent had any swelling or stiffness, so still not sure whats wrong with me.
more blood work was done (every time i see this doc i have to get blood drawn Sorry, I know it can be frustrating to not have a dx. But, it may not even be RA, it might be something else. Hopefully your doctor will find out something soon. It is better to be sure than to have a dx slapped on your chart. Good luck.

Phats

I'm sorry...... sero-negatives go through so much to get a dx.....

what actually brought you to the doctor if you have no swelling and no pain? ( I apologize if you explained that... I didnt' see)

This was my post on April 11th, explaining how it all started:
"On Feb. 25th i ran to pick up my 3yr old nephew, cuz a dog scared him outside. so when i picked him up i was fine, but i laid down and couldnt get back up. thats really were it all started to happen. i went to the ER and they told me i had back spasms. they told me to follow up with my doctor. when i saw the assistant dr. she told me i had back strain. i took hydrocodone, skelaxin, and naproxen. i was ok for about 2 days, then i had to go see her again cuz my hands started hurting. she told me i had carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. she sent me home. then about one week later, my hands, arms, feet, knees, and hip hurt. two days it was hard to get out of bed. but it got better after a few days. but i went back in to see my actual doctor, not the assistant anymore. he did blood tests, and just monday they told me i have rheumatoid arthritis.
and here i am, my appointment with the specialist isnt till April 27th."

so after that its been nothing but blood tests. 4 so far.
the SED rates for the first 3 were: 129, 58, and now 59. still dont know the results for the 4th one.
RF has also been elevated but still in the normal range.

sounds like they may be trying to catch something in "active status" ..... I guess you'll just have to continue as the doc ordered, but be vigilant about taking care..and if things progress, go to see the RD immediately... that could be what he is waiting for!!

Hi Perlat. My DH is neg. and he had a difficult time with a diagnosis. He started with trouble getting himself out of bed, no swelling and mild pain. It progressed very quickly so take care not to over do things.

I hope you get some sort of diagnosis for whatever is causing you problems

Sandra....when you say "quickly"...how long did it take to progress?

I'm mildly positive RF factor (33) but everything else is normal. I have "mild" pain and no swelling or stiffness and no trouble getting out of bed. I'm always asking my doc, "if this is RA, when can I expect it to rear it's head in a more obvious fashion"...can't get an obvious answer. This has been going on for about 4 months so am hoping the longer i go without obvious symptoms the better. I still have not started any treatment.

Thanks,

TechZit