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Hello,

I have been reading info on RA. I am just wondering if you or anyone else might know the answer as to wether or not RA effects memory and ability to think clearly. Not medications related. The reason I ask is since 2000 I have been having all sort of problems, the nodules and swelling along with almost all of the posting symptoms I have read. Have been to numerous Doctors and each one say's something different. I recently went to the Rheumitiologist and he put me on Celebrex, it doesnt seem to be helping very much. I am not officially diagnosised with RA but it runs in my family 3 generations. Also does the rf test have to show positive to have RA or do you know? thanks

see PM

Keep with the rheumatologist and let them know if the celebrex isn't working and ask for something more or different.  It really is a process of trial and error to find the right medication therapy.

Good luck,

Pam

Hi Seagoat - interesting name.

I'm sero-negative, but the rheumatologist took one look at all my
inflamed joints, added to the fact that my family is full of people w/auto-
immune diseases & said it had to be. I went from fully functional to nearly
totally incapacitated in about 4 weeks.

It's definitely muddling my mind. Some part of that is pain - I hurt so
much, I can't think straight. But some part of it is, I'm just foggier than I
used to be. I'm having to start making lists and reminding myself what
needs to be done - and if I get thrown off schedule - hoo boy! I never get
back on.

I don't think there's a single thing in my life that hasn't been affected by
this. Thanks to all of you who have answered and are showing support. Ra if that is what it is, has almost destroyed my marrage and my life. I believe I have finally found out what this terrible thing inside my body is, and just to know that it has not and never will get any better is some relief in itself, at least I feel I can now put a name to it. Good luck and no flares for anyone today.

Sorry I forgot 1 thing, as far as my name, Im a Capricorn.

no, there are many seronegative ra's out here.  You'll find that it is usually considered to be a mild case if the blood tests are'nt strongly positive.  However, there are a lot of us on here with aggressive, severe case of ra who even have extra articular ra, with possible damage to the lungs, vascular system.  This will usually show up on you at Rheumatoid nodules.  I think they should quit using the RF factor.  Because a lot of RD's seem to think the 20 to 25% sero-negs belong to another rd, not them.Hi, I'm relatively new to the board too.  Sorry for the dx of RA.  Yes seronegative RA isn't all that uncommon I can verify what others have said here.  I will say also that even though they 'think' that means you will have an easier course, it isn't set in stone.  You maybe one of the lucky ones and have a spontaneous remission too!  Lets hope for that.

In any case, this disease is a journey some of it good, some of it bad like most journeys.  The people here are wonderful and certainly make this journey much easier.  Stick around!

Seagoat, dont forget about the book I mentioned to you...it is great. Also I am sorry to hear you are having marriage troubles. Get that book and put it under his nose. It is just really hard for our families to get it that we are not just whiney or lazy.  That is sad truth about RA and other immune disorders and their symptoms.  We are very misunderstood by alot of people.

Hang in there!

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