Test showed normal for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but all the symptoms are there?
For more than 3 weeks I have had intense, debilitating pain. When it first started, I could not raise my arm above half way. The pain migrated into my elbows, wrists, fingers and now knees (symmetrical). It is difficult to walk in the mornings and I have pain all day. I can barely type and my hands and wrists feel a though they are being smashed with a hammer they hurt so bad. There is obvious joint swelling; I can’t even wear my wedding ring. The pain is getting worse daily and my first anti-inflammatory did not help. My doctor prescribed me a new one, Mobic, which I have been taking for three days which is also not helping.
The doctor took a myriad of blood tests to identify potential arthritis. The tests came back normal for the most part, with only a negligibly raised RA factor. He thinks I have no problem. I am still going to a Rheumatologist, but I am in awe that my tests are not pointing to RA as I was convinced that is what I had. I’m thankful if it isn’t, but I’m confused. How common is a misdiagnosis? My sister was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease similar to RA that was undiagnosed for sometime. My doctor clearly thinks I am fine, but I know I am not, and you can see the joint issues by simply looking at my body.
Tagged with: Arthritis • Normal • Rheumatoid • showed • symptoms • Test • there
Filed under: Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
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The RA Factor test (as doctors refer to it) can be falsely negative, its been known to happen. In light of your symptoms, I’m shocked that your doctor doesn’t do a full Lupus Panel on you. Normally, when the RA screening is negative, they won’t order this large test. But go to your doctor and tell him or her you would like a full Lupus Panel to check for many antibodies associated with autoimmune disorders (including arthritis). Your rheumatologist should have already considered this, considering the pain you are in. Hope this helps, take care.
Unfortunately, diagnosing arthritis can be extremely difficult. There is no single test that is 100% effective at diagnosing it, so as a result, it is very common for blood-work and x-rays to not show anything, especially in someone in the early stages of arthritis. As a result, doctors often eliminate disorders that are easier to test for, basically using the process of elimination to diagnose arthritis.
With that said, there are a lot of other things that could be causing you these sorts of symptoms. For example, pinched nerves or carpal tunnel can cause very serious pain, which sometimes shares similar symptoms of arthritis.
I would recommend speaking with another doctor, preferably a rheumatology specialist, who can better help you identify what is causing these problems.