Sick a long time but newly diagnosed with RA

[Guest guest]

I've been to five different rheumatologists in the past 8 years (my

insurance plan kept changing), and my most recent rheumy diagnosed

me with seronegative RA. Other rheumys said mild lupus or UCTD. At

first I was relieved that someone finally hit a diagnosis that seems

to fit my symptoms and test results, but now I'm feeling a little

angry that the other rheumys didn't pick up on it.

I've been on prednisone for 5 years, but my current rheumy started

me on methotrexate and is weaning me off the prednisone. I should

have been put on methotrexate years ago, and perhaps it would've

prevented some of the joint damage I've had. I've had one knee

totally replaced (the other knee needs it, too), surgery on my foot,

and surgery on my shoulder -- all because of joint damage. I may now

also need surgery on my spine.

My new doctor said prednisone contributes to joint damage, and as I

mentioned, I've been taking it for 5 years.

Have any of you had this type of issue with diagnosis and a delayed

appropriate treatment? I know autoimmune diseases are hard to pin

down, but I still feel like the previous doctors missed it when they

shouldn't have.

Thanks for having me in your group,

Abby Grace