Re: question about beginning symptoms

June 13, 2008

I am sorry you are having problems. I started off with my hands starting to

hurt.I could not open doors, jars, or anything where I had to put pressure on my

joints. Couldn't snap my fingers, or clench my fists. Then my fingers would

hurt so much that I could not straighten my fingers out. Then my feet and toes.

My bloodwork was way off the charts and it was clear from the onset I had some

type of inflammatory disease. I hope this helps and I wish you the

best.phascolome <phascolome@...> wrote: Hello,

I was recently tested for RA and have been referred to a specialist.

My bloodwork is completely normal. I was wondering if anyone on the

list started this way. I know that there is a percentage of people who

do not show any signs of RA (at least in the beginning) on their

bloodwork. My main symptom is that I wake up with stiffness in both

hands. I cannot make a fist in the morning but after a few hours I

can. This has been going on for about a year. I know whatever it is,

it certainly is not normal. Then in the last several months I'm

noticing some weakness/discomfort in opening jars, bags (like a

shredded cheese bag where you rip off the top but it has a ziploc

underneath). My hands, as far as I've noticed, have never had any

swelling problems.

Anyone else start off the same way?

I appreciate any input. Thank you!

June 13, 2008

My mom has a negative RA test, ANA, normal sed rate, and yet her

arthritis has completely destroyed the joints in her index fingers.

She cannot even bend them because there aren't any joints to bend.

20-30% of ppl with RA test negative.

Hello,

>

> I was recently tested for RA and have been referred to a specialist.

> My bloodwork is completely normal. I was wondering if anyone on the

> list started this way. I know that there is a percentage of people who

> do not show any signs of RA (at least in the beginning) on their

> bloodwork. My main symptom is that I wake up with stiffness in both

> hands. I cannot make a fist in the morning but after a few hours I

> can. This has been going on for about a year. I know whatever it is,

> it certainly is not normal. Then in the last several months I'm

> noticing some weakness/discomfort in opening jars, bags (like a

> shredded cheese bag where you rip off the top but it has a ziploc

> underneath). My hands, as far as I've noticed, have never had any

> swelling problems.

>

> Anyone else start off the same way?

>

> I appreciate any input. Thank you!

>

June 13, 2008

There are many that are seronegative, but getting properly diagnosed can be a

challenge. & nbsp; Usually, the Sed Rate, ANA, RF factor, CRP and an anti ccp

(which is a conclusive test) can aid in diagnosis. & nbsp; Mine began with knees

and having joint effusions on them. & nbsp; If you don't have too many other

symptoms, or its not symmetrical there are other things it could be. & nbsp; Xrays

and a patient history will help the rheumatologist too. & nbsp; There are so many

types of inflammatory arthritis. & nbsp; It might even be Fibromyalgia. & nbsp; Good

luck on your visit to the specialist! I've found when symptoms are slow to start

its quite a process getting diagnosed. & nbsp; Sometimes I wish my labs would show

more (I have elevated CRP and Sed rate and Westegren) and my xrays show issues

in the knee with effusions.

From: phascolome & lt;phascolome@... & gt;

Subject: [ ] question about beginning symptoms

Date: Friday, June 13, 2008, 8:33 PM