Going for THIRD opinion -question about Seroneg RA

[Guest guest]

Was diagnosed with early stage RA a year ago by Rheumy#1 based on these symptoms

and test results: slightly elevated ESR, AST (liver enzymes), Angiotensin

Converting (ACE) and Rheu Factor, combined with major fatigue - (No joint

swelling) slight stiffness in hands/wrists/feet (since 2002, after birth of 1st

child). Did a chest X-ray to rule out sarcoid and the technician found what

appeared to be pneumonia instead. So I did some heavy antibiotics and was

started on the standard plaquinil dosage. I continued the plaquinil for six

months but instead of the hands/feet/wrists feeling better they actually got

slightly worse - still no visible signs of swelling though (and xrays look good

too). I stopped the plaquinil because I felt the elevated tests results were

probably related to the infection and I decided to get a second opinion.

Rheumy#2: My ESR, Rheumatoid Factor & AST were now in the normal range- although

the ACE was still slightly elevated. I continue to have stiffness of the

hands/wrists/feet/ankles. CRP Neg and the CCP IGG was neg also. This Rheumy

doesn't agree with RA diagnosis. Said she doesn't feel is Seroneg RA since I

don't have visible swelling and the stiffness has been ongoing for seven years.

So I will visit another Rheumy on Tuesday. Thank goodness for good health

insurance.

Do those of you out there with Seronegative RA have joint swelling?