Seronegative.. odd symptoms
Hi! I'm 45 and was diagnosed with seronegative RA today. I have pretty bad swelling that happened quickly, within a month and affects my knees the most, but ankles, elbows, fingers, etc as well.
Odd thing is, no inflammation during the ultrasound but there was definately fluids. A week on steroids helped greatly, but I don't want to stay on those for obvious reasons. Plus it came back with a vengeance, within 72 hours, off the steroids.
I also don't have pain, fever, warm joints or other symptoms. Just fluid and HIGH frustration at lack of mobility that came with the swelling. I'm so skeptical but can't think of what else it could be... 🙁
Hi
. You are right to be concerned. Fluid retention can occur with RA. In fact, swollen fingers is a tell-tale sign in conjunction with other symptoms. But fluid-retention can also be symptomatic of so many other health conditions, including heart problems. You might still have RA, but I would want to rule out other contributing factors as well. Have you had a cardiac workup? If not, can you ask your primary care doctor for a referal? If you do have RA, your doctor should prescribe long-term medication to slow its progression. That might also help with the swelling. Has your rheumatologist talked with you about treatment options? Here is an article that discusses medications that treat RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment. You can click on the links for more specific information. Steroids are intended only for short-term use. If you are really not confident in the diagnosis, you might want to get a second opinion. It will make you feel better if it is RA and another perspective might help if it is something else. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you, I will check in about the heart work up. I am on steroids for a few weeks to get the swelling down and we are discussing other long term treatments in 2 weeks at my next appt. I will read up... so far, methotrexate seems scary but eems to be what people generally opt for. Thank you for your thoughts!
Hi
. Methotrexate is usually the first medication doctors prescribe because it is relatively inexpensive and most insurance companies require that you try it first before moving on to more expensive drugs. There are many, many, many alternatives if the side effects of methotrexates are too much for you or if it is not effective enough. I hope the steroids bring some relief and that the swelling does not immediately return as you taper offer. I am glad you are looking into a cardiac check up. It's just good to rule it out. - Lori (Team Member)
