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...

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yiyelli 03/29/2010

I like many of you went from being a busy healthy active mom with two young kiddos to being in chronic pain on a journey to figure out what is wrong. It all started when I went to grab a pan and dropped it from when I tried to grip it. It has been downhill form there. I started with pain in both my hands was referred to a rheumo who started me on Relafin which did nothing then prednisone at 10mg then finally begged her for help and got to 20 which helped. After waiting a month for bloodwork answers I was told they found nothing and that I need to get off Prednisone not good but as I dropped to 15 and 10 I was in terrible pain. I am trying no to take pain meds but some days it is either that or not be able to pick up my kids work etc. It has also done a number on my blood pressure. I have a whole new sense of appreciation for people that deal with chronic pain. It seems to have started in my feet. So I am going to a new Rheumo next week since my old one pretty much said don't know what to tell you. My bloodwork all came back normal and she ordered an MRI and said see you in two weeks. I just started crying in her office since she told me don't tale the rpednisone or wean off off it I should say. She gave me no alternative for the pain. Basically said I don't know see you in two weeks. So I am hoping I get better answers next week and just trying to find ways to cope till then. Just so frusterating and hard to explain. I feel so alone and just want to hide from the world. The constant pain is just no fun.... Nice to know I am not crazy and other people have the same troubles!

Yael

yiyelli 03/29/2010

Sorry for the typos.......its late but can't sleep even though I am exhausted.

Caspiana 03/30/2010

Hello. I am so sorry to hear about your pain. If it's any help at all they found nothing wrong with my bloodwork for months. I was beginning to think I was insane. I wonder why she didn't give you anything for the pain. That's what they did with me and although it wasn't the best solution it helped me through the really bad bits. All I can tell you is that you are not alone. Come here often it really, really helps. Take care.

CharlieBaxter 03/30/2010

Keep in mind that there are more ways than blood work to diagnose RA. Blood is only one. There are many people on this site that do not show positive for RA by blood work, myself being one. My sed rate is low too. A good rheumy will look at all the symptoms, swelling, joint pain, blood work, redness, warmth in joints, etc. I hope your new Rheumy will give you better service. The one you have now is doing you no favors. If the prednisone is helping with the inflamation chances are it very well could be RA. Keep looking for a Dr that will help you not put you off. Take care, Chuck

deleted_user 03/30/2010

I am glad you are going to a different rheumatologist, that one didn't sound like they were on the ball. I was diagnosed after the birth of my triplets. I had similar symptoms and it's horribly frustrating.
You need to talk to the new rheumy about other med options. There are several that slow or halt joint destruction. I would be careful about the prednisone, it's really hard on the body.
Also, you can have negative bloodwork and still have RA, in fact 20% of people with RA are seronegative, even with moderate to severe disease.
Good luck and hang in there, it will get better!

thinksRAstinks 03/30/2010

I sure hope the new RD is more helpful. My first one didn't help me at all. It was scary and frustrating trying to get a correct diagnosis. I was scared to death. They tested me for everything under the sun. I even had a CT of head, chest, abdomen because they suspected a malignancy. I am sero negative for RF. My inflammation markers were off the charts then but are normal or slightly elevated now.
Hang on and keep pursuing the answer.
All the best to you.

Caren28 03/30/2010

As everyone else said, bloodwork isn't the only factor in an RA diagnosis, and negative bloodwork doesn't neccesarily mean it's not RA. Also, although you need a good ending to get to the bottom of this, you might be able to get some help with your pain from your regular PCP. My PCP prescribes vicodin for me when I need it. My rheumy knows about it and agrees with the plan.

yiyelli 03/30/2010

Thanks so much for the help and support. I just got a call from my primary care doctor I was there last week for my Blood pressure check and my liver enzymes are a little elevated. I do have an appointment next Tuesday with New Doc so hopefully will get to the bottom of this.

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