Re: Flare w/o elevated blood tests

October 12, 2006

I just went through a whole slew of bloodwork & X-Rays and everything came back

normal. My bone scan showed inflammation all throughout my feet (to quote my

doctor, " I lit up like a Christmas tree " ), and I think there were also some hot

spots in my knees and hips. My doctor can't figure out why my SED rate is

normal because it is obvious that there is inflammation going on. I am being

referred to a research hospital before they start me on the DMARDs because they

can't narrow down the diagnosis enough as my symptoms, of which there are many,

mimic more than one type of arthritis and possibly MS. I am also only 29 and he

doesn't want to start me on these meds because of the side effects without

getting this second opinion. I did try sulfasalzine but my stomach couldn't

tolerate it. I'm really happy with the care that I've received thus far because

he isn't messing around - I only started seeing him about a month ago. If I

find out anything useful from my new rheumatologist, I'll be sure to pass it on.

Lori

[ ] Flare w/o elevated blood tests

Hi,

Question. has anyone experienced a flare but not have it show in

blood/imaging tests? I recently had a Doctor tell me that since most

my labs are normal (CCP, CRP,SED, CBC, RF) (first time tested for HLA-

B27 and it was positive/present)and a bone scan didn't show any hot

spots for inflammation (but did for wear and tear)that it wasn't a

flare. I am currently on Humira and asked if this could influenece the

neg results. Have RA for 14 yrs and sure feels like a flare to me. Any

ideas?

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