Diagnosis
There is not a single sign of RA in blood test...but have pain in joints from 10 years ...also in MRI there is no sign of erosion or deformity...what to do next?
RA is not the only condition that can cause these symptoms. If you are seeing a rheumatologist they may look at other areas, and if you are not, you might check in with your neurologist.
There is something called seronegative RA, which is something I've had for over three decades. It doesn't show up in any blood tests, which makes it very hard to diagnose. They basically have to rule out everything else and then a rheumatologist uses their years of experience to say it's RA. It takes a long time and it can be frustrating. Either way, you don't have to do it alone. We will be here for whatever you need - company, questions, or just to be around people who get it. Keep on keepin' on, DPM Hi
. If you do have seronegative RA, some type of erosion or inflammation would likely show in an X-ray or an MRI. Here is an article about seronegative RA that might interest you: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/seronegative-diagnosis. I hope this helps. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you for the link you shared, had not seen this yet.
Hi
. Sorry you have this ongoing pain and diagnostic issues. The good news is the no signs of erosion or deformity. As said, seronegative RA is very real thing and tough to diagnose. As said, there are other conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis or fibromyalgia (just to name two), that can also potentially be a cause of this joint pain. You mention the tests, have you been seen by a rheumatologist? I ask because rheumatologists have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Hoping you can get some answers and relief soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) my tests were the same, no sign, I was Diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I feel like I need to be tested again, it's so frustrating not to have any real answers, and given meds they use for Fibro but not developed for fibro, I feel like Fibromyalgia, RA, and those like are connected somehow, how many have multiple diagnosis? Hi
. Have you considered seeing a neurologist for an evaluation? I have heard of several instances in which fibro is the initial diagnosis, but later tests show a neurological condition is to blame. I hope you get some better answers and some relief. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
