Might have seronegative RA
Both shoulders, both hips, both middle fingers (only) and left wrist.
Mostly I feel lots of paint in hips and shoulders starting in December. Lab tests, CRP 101, ANA negative, RF < 14. Doc is now ordered anti-ccp test. This hit me fast and I feel overall unwell, all the time. I am 63 and before this the only arthritis like pain was in both middle fingers on both hands. I am taking almost 3 grams Ibuprofen all day long, it is the only thing that helps. Doc may have referred me to Rheumatologist Xrays of hips show some degeneration. Question is about the extremely high CRP, indicates a major like infection, but I have no fever, am 98.8, Doc is calling what I have inflamatory arthritis.
Hi,
!
I am sorry you are dealing with this level of pain and feeling unwell. I think it's smart that you went to your doctor when you did and that the two of you are working to get a proper diagnosis.
You can have a high CRP with seronegative. If possible, I would follow up on that referral to a rheumatologist, as he/she may be able to give you a clearer idea of what you are dealing with.
Here's a little information on seronegative RA that you might find helpful -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/seronegative-diagnosis.
Getting a diagnosis will help you and your doctor come up with some viable treatment options that will, hopefully, bring you some lasting relief.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi
. Inflammatory arthritis is often used as a catch-all phrase to describe an autoimmune arthritic condition when a specific diagnosis has not yet been arrived at (see: https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_inflammatory-arthritis.asp#:~:text=Inflammatory%20arthritis%20(IA)%20is%20joint,most%20common%20type%20of%20arthritis.). This article from our editorial team gives an overview of the various types of arthritis, besides RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/types-of-arthritis. I also want to note that, while an infection is often the cause of extremely high CRP, uncontrolled autoimmune condition can also be a cause.
In addition, as you prepare to see the rheumatologist, I thought you might be interested in this article on what to expect from your first appointment: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment. I also want to note that there is more to the diagnostic process that the rheumatologist will rely on and this article goes into more detail: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis.
Hoping the rheumatologist can provide you some answers and get you on a treatment regimen. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)Well my PCP thinks I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica and put me on 30mg Prednisone to be taken every morning. Since I am type 2 diabetic, that means higher glucoses. This am tested at 192 which is 50 points higher. (I took one 10 mg tablet in the evening to see what would happen, just 1 tablet!). I asked him for methotrexate but he won't do it. He did refer me to Rheumatology specialists who will call me this coming week for appointment.
, ah, ok! Thanks for clarifying that. Yes, I can see how taking prednisone may be an issue for your diabetes. Hopefully, a rheumatologist will be able to pinpoint the best treatment option for you that also doesn't impact your glucose so negatively.
Predisone can definitely help (temporarily) with pain and inflammation, but it may not be the best option for you.
I hope that call for an appointment comes early in the week and you are able to get in to be seen in a timely fashion!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
here are 2 links talking about treatment for PMR
https://www.whatispolymyalgia.com/treatments/methotrexate-polymyalgia/#:~:text=Methotrexate%20Treatment%20for%20Polymyalgia.%20Methotrexate%20is%20an%20immunosuppressant,pain%20and%20muscle%20stiffness%2C%20seek%20medical%20attention%20immediately.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809799/
