Hello everyone.

I have a couple of questions. When I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago, it was from an ANA test for MS, Lupus, Hashi's and RA. The titer amount for RA was exceedingly high, as was my ANA. All of the other tests were negative.

I had had bad, and I mean bad finger/hand cramps when I woke up of a morning, and if Iwoke up during the night. Also, if I sat still for long, while watching TV - they would start to hurt. I thought nothing of it - put it off to 'cold weather changes".
Then my neck started getting stiff, along with my hip.

All my DR (at the time, I've moved since) told me was to take Ibuprofen for the pain, and let me know if the pain got to where she needed to give me something.

Hmm...she was the DR - I knew nothing about this RA, so I said okay.

I am now going in for surgery on my thyroid next week. I called to pre-register, the lady told me she would check with the anesthesiologist and get back to me.
An hour later, she said he wanted an x-ray of my pelvis and spine before surgery.

Now...both my GP and Endo know about the RA -and they also did not seem concerned with this. Why would the anesthesiologist want to do these x-rays before surgery?

How were the rest of you diagnosed? Did you just have bloodwork, or were you x-rayed also?

Sorry if these seem like stupid questions. I will be asking my GP about these Friday ( I have to have a physical before the surgery also -sheesh). Just wondered how the rest of you found out about your RA, and how the DR's treated it - aggresively, or - as in my case - with a very nonchalant manner?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Dang....fifteen people read this, but not one reply? come on guys - HELP!!!!

Dang....fifteen people read this, but not one reply? come on guys - HELP!!!!
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I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist in 1997 after seeing 4 or 5 other docs. I had received various diagnoses none of which were correct. I was in rheum. office less than 5 minutes when she correctly diagnosed me from the physical exam. Blood work just backed up her diagnosis. RA is serious so I am perplexed by your doctors casual attitude. You should be on medication (not just pain relievers.) The only xray I had was of my hands a few years ago to see if joint damage was progressing. I dont think xrays are necessary for a diagnosis. If yu are having surgery they will need to know every med you are taking. Hope thiws helps.

I had a sudden onset of swollen fingers and when I went in for my yearly physical my doc ran some blood work. It came back with elevated ana but neg RA...so I went for several months having more problems, saw my chiropractor who said I had an inflammation problem and recommended grape seed. It kept things calm for a year, then following a major stress period I started flairing everywhere, really bad. Went to my GP, he ran blood work & x-rays of my hands and made me an appointment with RA doc. RA test was still neg but a new test anti citrilean (sp??) where a 70 and under was normal I was 700. I was RA neg for another year and now am 32 (14 and under normal). I have rarely had the exact joint left & right side be swollen as is a common sign of RA. Also alot of my first flair ups would come with a red streak and last for 3 days? There is an arthritis that does that. But the 3 day rule no longer applies...I went chronic.