Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Soooo upset and cross, just had a letter from the rheumatologist saying that the synovitis in my wrist is normal and not inflammatory arthritis and she is discharging me and wishing me well.
So the fact that I have all this joint pain in hands wrists feet ankles and knees is normal is it. My fingers are swollen I can't wear my wedding ring.
So basically I am back to being left in pain and to get on with it.
I just feel like I am going mad what the hell do you have to do to get someone to actually help, symptoms aren't enough she won't accept anything unless it's a positive blood test and I don't have any abnormal blood test reslts. She didn't even examine my really painful feet, she had a cursory glance at my wrists but that's it.
Sooo frustrated and fed up
So the fact that I have all this joint pain in hands wrists feet ankles and knees is normal is it. My fingers are swollen I can't wear my wedding ring.
So basically I am back to being left in pain and to get on with it.
I just feel like I am going mad what the hell do you have to do to get someone to actually help, symptoms aren't enough she won't accept anything unless it's a positive blood test and I don't have any abnormal blood test reslts. She didn't even examine my really painful feet, she had a cursory glance at my wrists but that's it.
Sooo frustrated and fed up
She has never even examined my knees or feet/ankles.
I can ask my GP for a refferal for a 2nd opinion but am very concerned that I end up with the same kind of response.
I need to find a Rheumy that will be more open to seronegative disease and that is where I am struggling, how do I know who is going to be ok?
RASally is completely correct - get yourself to a new rheumatologist and fast!! My rheumy always exams all joints and especially feet and hands. My feet have always been an issue so my doctor spends a lot of time looking those over. I am seronegative - all my labs come back normal except for very high SED rate.
For every good rheumy out there, there are a few bad ones. It is very important to find someone who will work with you and listen to you. We are much more than just a set of numbers on a lab report. That is where the "art" of medicine comes in. A good rheumatologist knows how to practice the "art" of medicine.
I agree with RASally - you are destined to find another doctor and one who will truly help you live a better quality of life.
Hang in there! Where a door is closed, a window opens.
I have RA (way high RA factor and anti-ccp) but I NEVER have erosions or inflammation on xrays or ultrasound.
I only get two tiny joints to show off for the doctor once in awhile. But my pain is almost all bursitis and muscle pain. And it's constant. When I took enbrel the last several months, my bursitis was so much better. I keep asking my doctor if my diagnosis is wrong and somehow I have lupus since I am not typical.
So we are similar but I just have blood work that proves my case...you have to advocate for yours. It's not fair, but you are stuck finding a doctor that HEARS you. I hope you find a doc that understands your situation.
That's my issue lots symptoms and debilitating pain but no treatment which means I am pretty miserable in pain 24/7
RA Sally has given you excellent advice.
In fact I did just that. Got on the phone with a list of doctors calling each one asking if they treated a condition I was diagnosed with. As the medical community did not agree at the time this condition existed.
Like RA Sero negative. Some good doctors will think outside the box & acknowledge what so many already know.
Don't feel bad my doctor does not exam my joints like she should.
Even with RA posative.
I am one who believes pictures speak a thousand words. While looking for that next doctor take pics of any swelling.
This does get my doctors attention. Having another person such as my husband accompany me helps also.
You will find a doctor. So be prepared.
In the mean time can your PCP help you out?
Any doctor prescribe Prednisone to see how you respond?
There are good & bad docs out there. Reality is we often have to go through some bad to get to the good.
Blood test are one part of diagnostic testing. It should not rule the disease out. All symptoms should be considered with the fact no 2 patients are exactly the same.
Hang in there you'll find help. May take some work. I'm sure your to exhausted & upset to even think about it but it's your future & more often then not we have to be our own advocates.
So do whatever it takes but don't let one doctor dictate your future.
Again I'm sorry. My heart goes out to You.
Sammy