I believe in one way or another we all have similar stories. The world of autoimmune (AI) is a huge mystery that turns, overlaps and changes very often. I've been living in the AI world since 1999 being told I have X, then Y...and now Z. Most people I know with AI don't fit into the tiny little description in the medical books. There's a lot of trial and error for each of us. One thing I will tell you though...don't wait for treatment! If you feel your rheumy is dragging his heels, then find another one. Early treatment is your best defense.

Ditto ditto on what RCross and RAsally said! Also, trust your instincts - that's my advice. And go see another rheumy if you can - I am appalled that with your symptoms AND labs that the doc is hesitating at all!

Autoimmune is one heck of a sneaky &^%$# (insert bad word!). I've been sick for many years now. I was hospitalized with heart failure, kidney failure, liver was failing, lung scans were screwy and had open lung biopsy and they discovered I have lung scarring (interstitial lung disease)- and the docs all said "well yeah this looks autoimmune but the LABS DON'T SHOW IT"

So I suffered for a very long time - but I knew for many years, in my gut, that I had an autoimmune disease. Bloodwork/labs only started showing it last year (13 years after initial symptoms!!).

Even now, I don't have all the "right" labs - just high RA factor, sometimes an elevated ESR, and occasionally some other wonky numbers that just confuse the docs.....but I finally have a Rheumy who listens to me, believes me, works with me....that is KEY.

Sorry to go on this huge ramble - my point is - don't do what I did and wait - be assertive on your own behalf, and trust yourself. Find the right doc, it's worth the "hunt."

(And on another note, from what I understand, there is a correlation or connection between Sjrogrens and RA)

We must all be our own advocate. If you aren't satisfied with your doctors response, you have a duty to yourself to seek another. My guess is his reluctance to use methotrexate is due to your age. If you have any desire to have kids now or in future, you want to think twice.

I forgot to add, I was initially diagnosed with Parvo in 1994. After 6 months Parvo was gone, but the swollen joints remained. I had elevated ANA and sed rate, but didn't fit all criteria. We called it probable Lupus for 15 years until I began progressing in 2009.
I also have Sjogrens, asthma, and of course depression. Who wouldn't with all that we all have to face?
My son, who himself has an extremely rare cancer, thinks I am hypochondriac because I must always be aware of his and my symptoms to watch for progressions or drug side effects. In his tender moments, he is thankful for the watchfulness......but he is 16.
I am thankful to have found this group. Its nice to read of others who truly get it.

Wow thank you all!! It is so helpful to hear advice from people who get exactly what you're going through. It is very hard to hear "you'll be fine" over and over from people who don't understand.