My ANA test came back positive so they did a titer and said that it was negative. They did the sed rate and the RA Factor and both were negative. I'm in a lot of pain.....hands, feet, joints. Knees crack everytime I bend down. Back is killing me----getting up I often feel like I'm going to fall on my face as I have to stretch first.

Sitting in the car for an hr, when I get out I look like I'm 100. (I'm 46)

Joints in fingers are starting to deform and my feet have deformities on the bone (from arthritis I guess). Always super tired. :yawn:

Just had a bunch of xrays and waiting to go back to docs on 31 to find out what she thinks.

Does a neg RA test mean no RA? Does an ANA that comes out positive mean anything?

Lots of questions!!!

Thanks so much!

Mary

Hi there, MaryG1959,

You probably have either osteo arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Yes, you can have rheumatoid arthritis when you test is negative. I do not know what an ANA test is or a titer. Someone will probably talk to you in the am about those and other things. Not too many people post on Sundays.

Make sure you are going to a rheumatologist, if you are not already. They are the arthritis experts! Hope you feel better soon. Wannabe

I am going to a Rheumatologist and so far I like her very much, I've only been there once though.

This morning (4 am) my thum is getting stuck and clicking when I open and close it. This is scarey----I'm a secretary and use my hands every day! :eek:

Hi MaryG1959,

That is really scary about your thumb getting stuck! Maybe you should try a cold pack or try a heat pack. I sometimes have to put one or the other on my hands. It makes them more able to work!! It is always worse in the am. You also might want to call your rheumy. dr. Sometime they can give you a shot, that works for several weeks or months. I also took pills "Medrol Pack", instead of the shot. It helped.

Hope your hand does get better. Take care. Wannabe

Dear "wannabee" (cute name by the way)

My thumb got stuck again at 2 am this morning. I massaged it and it got better.

Someone on another post told me about handuniversity.com. Lots of good info.

Thanks again.

Mary :wave: