new member

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this group, my friend told me about this group and

suggested that I join. I am a 43 year old female and for several

years I have been experiencing the same symptoms and problems

associated with rheumatoid arthritis however, every time that I have

been given a blood test for it, I have tested negative. Currently I

am undergoing treatment for another flare-up and I questioned my gp

about this conflict and he said that it was a rare thing to test

negative for RA and still have RA. I suffer from so many other

problems that, if I do not have RA I would not be disappointed

however, my gp cannot explain why I experience the problems that I

do that scream RA and respond to the same treatment that someone

with RA does and still not have RA. My father has suffered with RA

for as long as I can remember. This dr. has given me a lab order to

go get tested again, but I am finding myself arguing about why I

should even go get the blood test. I am currently taking steroids,

mobic and ultracet for the joint pain on top of everything else that

I take for the spinal disorders that I have. Just so that you have a

background on my history, I have had 8 spinal surgeries since 1991,

6 of which have been in the last 4 years. I am facing a cervical

fusion of one of my neck discs within the next two weeks or so. I

also have osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, kyphosis,and

degenerative disc disease. I am on long-term disability from my job

and am facing a court date with the government's disability judge as

soon as I am given a date to appear.

I would appreciate any and all input and I am happy to have been

directed to your group. Thanks !

I pray that God is blessing each of you with a low-pain, high

spirited day!

Lise