Reply to an Answer

   There are reliable tests to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unfortunately there are types of arthritis which don't lend themselves to testing. Psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis are two of these non-testable types. Also, you can have sero-neg RA and thus show up negative in a test for rheumatoid arthritis. You may wish to ask to be tested for the genetic marker HLA-B27. If positive, it lets the MD know that it is highly probable you have a type of arthritis. Most people with RA,  RA serum neg., inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and connective tissue disorders are treated with the same types of medication and have the same types of major symptoms with some variation. Common to the arthritic diseases, is the need to contend with pain, inflammation, and your own bodies rouge cells attacking your healthy tissue.    Today we have the "biologics" (medications) which for some, slow the unpleasant effects of arthritis down and help halt the symptoms. In that we are all individuals, they work from a small to a demonstrable amount. So perhaps you can ask your MD which arthritis you have, what tests s/he will use, and how s/he will go about managing the results of the testing. It is generally believed today that to hit arthritis hard and fast is the best way to halt the potential damage these diseases can create.     Roberoo MPH It is always better to be proactive rather then reactive with your health.