Re: Pre Rheumatologist Appt

[Guest guest]

<<The primary is telling me that since the other 3 tests are negative I cannot

possibly have RA. I have in readings found where persons can have negative test

but still have RA.>>

Hi Doug,

I have had the same bloodwork results as you, and I have severe active RA. I

was diagnosed at 9 with symptoms and just a positive ANA; bloodwork came back

negative for years while I was in " remission, " ANA began registering positive

with symptoms returning when I was 26. I am 31 now, and although my disease is

active, even my ANA is negative right now with all of the drugs I'm on.

Approximately 20% of RA patients are what's called seronegative - negative

rheumatoid factor and, sometimes, negative ANA.

I hope you find a more understanding - and helpful - doctor in a Rheumatologist!

Good luck,

Kate P-B in STL

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

[Guest guest]

Hi Doug

I am one of the tiny % of people without any positive bloodwork - including

normal ESR's and CRP's. My CRP's are only raised when I have an infection. I was

diagnosed with a " sero-negative inflammatory arthrophy " 15 years ago when I was

24, after an arthroscope for what they originally thought was cartilage damage,

removal of synovial fluid and biopsy on my soccer ball sized swollen knee which

I could barely bend. I was also found to have the HLBA-27 gene.

The diagnoses was changed to RA many years ago as my disease progressed to most

joints and although I have never ever had raised ESR's I have xray evidenced

errosive damage in my hands, feet, spine and knees - so obviously inflammation

that's caused it. My last xrays showed secondary damage too so it's contiuing to

progress despite the humira, methotrexate and pred, so it's definately possible.

My Rheumy said whoever figures out why this occurs in up to 5% of patients will

win a prize! I have to admit though it is frustrating when you're flaring

considerably and the doc forgets and says your bloodwork looks totally fine!!

lol Not to mention not being allowed into studies for new drugs-i'm no good for

their statistics.

Good luck with your diagnoses - a good rheumy should be able to diagnose you

based on symptoms.

>

> Hello all,

>

> Just wanting to run something by the group and see if anyone else has had

similar experiences. I have been having severe pain in the left shoulder. I

have pain in both shoulders, knees, and ankles. My primary care has said I have

arthritis in both shoulders. The Physical Therapist confirms, or states

Bursitis, Frozen Shoulder, and Arthritis.

>

> So, my primary ran CRP, ESR, Rheumatoid Factor and blood test for ANA. All

came back negative except for ANA. The test for ANA is positive with a titer of

1:80. I am requesting a referral to a Rheumatologist to try and confirm what is

going on. The primary is telling me that since the other 3 tests are negative I

cannot possibly have RA. I have in readings found where persons can have

negative test but still have RA.

>

> Just wondering if anyone in the group has had similar results.

>

> Thanks in advance,

> Doug

>