Test results negative... now what?

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm Amy. I read the posts every day and appreciate all the

information. Had the blood tests done for RA last week -- have felt

really good for 3 weeks now, hands only hurt a little, not so tired.

The test results ALL came back normal. They ran the whole battery of

typical RA tests, thyroid, anemia, etc. Nothing at all.

I feel really frustrated -- I know I SHOULD be thrilled that I don't

have RA based on these test results... but then how do I explain my

joint pain and swelling knuckles... the deep fatigue and headaches...

the gut feeling that something is truly wrong physically?

Without answers, I know I will feel guilty every time I'm " flaring " --

like maybe it's just in my head.

Has anyone dealt with this? Should I wait until I feel worse (which I

expect to at some point) and then go back to the doctor, or do these

test results truly rule out RA?

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

I am going through the same process that you are going through now. I have the

symptoms of RA, but I do not have a diagnosis. My rheumatologist runs blood work

at each of my visits, but everything is normal. One time my SED rate was high,

but the past couple of times the rate was in a normal range. My doc has put me

on dolobid that seems to work well for the pain that I was having in my hands,

arms, upper body, and ankles. I get rashes on my hands that never go away

anymore, my hands look old. I am 46 and am anxious to understand what may be

going on with me, since I do not believe that anyone in my family has ever had

RA (to my knowledge). My husband is not empathetic and believes that this is

something that will go away, but it has not. In addition to the dolobid, the doc

wants to start me on plaquenil. I am waiting to visit an ophthalmologist prior

to starting the drug. My doc says the plaquenil will help with the rash on my

hands. My rheumatologist is treating me for RA, but he says that my symptoms

could be Lupus related. I am confused about the whole process and am wondering

when I may know when my condition will be identified. At this point, I want to

know. I have been affected by this affliction since March 2006.

Cohen

blondie10@...

rcohen1@...