initial blood tests negative but I still think it could be RA - Arthritis Message Board

memehegan · 08-02-2002, 03:35 AM

Hello, this is my first post here, I have suffered for years with cronic joint pain, fatigue and restless squirming0ant-hills-in-the-joints discomfort at night. It comes and goes, my weight can shift 2 to 6 pounds in a day. Its in my knees, ankles, hips knuckles elbow lower and upper back. I have had three blood test in 20 years all negative. But then I read about Tina the Sole Surviror II winner- (I am a big survivor fan) and discovered that her blood work came back negative. Is that a common thing. This summer has been the worst- it is only maybe the fourth or fifth time I have suffered from chronic pain in mutilple joints and sheer exhaustion for weeks on end. This week I got a mild gut virus and wound up sleeping an hour at work before I could even drive the 10 minutes home. Now normally a gut virus would be uncomfortable but because of the chronic fatigue it just knocked me out. I was begining to wonder about mono- though I dont have a sore throat,or MD and then I read the article about Tina- I just simple accepted that it wasnt arthritis scince the blood work came back negative and I hate seeing doctors about this. When I was a teen there were several days when I couldnt get out of bed- the doctor yelled at me, told me it was all in my head and that it would be a hardship to my insurance less parents if I continued to complain so I just kept it to my self and hpbbled through it. I wonder if I should pursue it now because I also didnt realize there was medicationa that can help keep it under control especially in the begining. Do you guys think I am way out in left feild or do these symptoms sound like they should be pursued? -meme

scbagrrrl · 08-02-2002, 06:01 AM

Of course you should pursue it. Depending on your insurance, you may have to go see a primary-care physician to have some initial blood work done, or you can make an appt with a rheumatologist directly.

A lot of us had negative bloodwork - then positive - then negative again, etc. It's not uncommon.

In addition to RA, there are a lot of other things that the doctor needs to investigate. It would be helpful for you to keep a log of symptoms/occurances, temperatures, details of how you're feeling...

If you feel that something isn't "right", then investigate it. Doctors should NEVER yell at you - you are PAYING them for service. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience but most doctors are not jerks. If you do have an autoimmune disorder, it's important that you develop a partnership with a good doctor that you feel comfortable with.

Good luck and keep us posted.

MegHurts · 08-02-2002, 09:02 AM

Of course you should! Make an appointment with a Rheumatologist and dont stop going until you find a good doctor who you trust and who will treat you! There are meds that can help! Why live with Chronic Pain if you dont have to? Trust me, I waited 10 months before I went and I am so thankful I did. To be able to walk normally without pain and to be able to open my own bottles of soda is such a blessing for me now because before I couldnt. It was winning its battle with me, but now Im starting to take control. You should to! Many people have tested negative for RA and yet still have it. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. You may or may not have this one. Talk to a rheumatologist. You'll feel so much better afterwards!!

Meg

MegHurts · 08-02-2002, 09:11 AM

One more note real fast.... just remember you dont ever have to live in pain. If the doctor you see tells you its in your head, get another opinion until you find a good doctor who will treat you happily for your pain. You have to live with the quality of your life, not the doctor. I wish you the best!!

Meg

Skipster · 08-06-2002, 06:25 AM

Hello

Having read several of the postings here it is obvious there is a common trend to suffer from chronic tiredness. I am currently taking 12.5g of Vioxx a day (I want to keep it as little as possible) but on some days have taken 25g when I have found it necessary and it makes me incredibly drousey. Perhaps where possible you can take a smaller doses?????? I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow to start a course of treatment with Sulphalazine - has anyone taken this - what is it like. I am keen to start a family next year and worried about any affects - does anyone know/ offer any advice? I am 29.