Alllllllllrighty then!

I once to had negative blood test for eight years with finger and elbow joint pain. I saw diferent doctor, some suggest to have "softer" medicine first becasue the disease is still in so early stage, just some anti-inflammation, Fenbid, Mobic, I tired it to kill the swollen and pain. It last for eight years, now it spread to my shoulder knees, finally the blood test turn to be positive.

However, i was told that some people can always have negative result with RA. So you may see diferent doctor and if get same result just following doctor's treatment, stop the situation in early stage better than let it spread.  Good luck and blessing

Yes I had the same, blood tests didn't show the RA. But yes it still is there. My family doctor explained it better then my RA doctor did. With some people it never shows up in the blood work. We are the special ones.

Oh yes - I have been there, bought the t shirt and came back in one piece!

I am RH negative and I have only an occasionally elevated sed rate. But I hurt and have swelling - but only on one side - not both. I thought for a long time that there was no way I could have RA because I didn't have the right symptoms. There are no 'right' symptoms. Everyone is different! 

I was on Plaquenil and MTX and Pred last year. I was doing better so I went off everything last December. About 6 weeks ago, the symptoms started again - today I was off to the doc and he is quite positive that it is a reoccurance of the RA.

Hang in there - take the meds - work with your doctor. 

Hi LouisSis aka Kitty. Yes I went throught the same thing when first diagonsed. Had this pain in my toe, thought I broke it. Had blood work done and everything was negative. Finally went to foot surgeon and he took xrays as he was unsure also. When he came back into exam room looking at xray, he said wow, you have advanced RA. xray showing that I had 2 totally damaged toes, he then xrayed my other foot as he said usually RA has same damaged joints on other side of body. which it did. a month later found out that my hands had same distroyed fingers on both hands, all without showing in my blood. Got so bad I couldn't even hold the steering wheel to go to work, but I did. Think we all do what we have to even though we are in such pain. I was on methotrexate along with taking shots of enbrel 1x a week. Now just taking the enbrel shots (not pleasant) and take celebrex every day, some time 2x's a day. I have been in what I call remission has I don't have the constant pain in my fingers and toes, but the fatique really gets me down. It's hard to explain to anyone even my husband who tries to understand in words but not in actions. He just lies to people on why I can't always go out, and that hurts. I'm worried about what side effects I am causing with taking this drug therapy, but what choices do we have, at least I can function and what is more important...work, as I need medical benefits. I've recently had some blood work that came back showing elevated white blood cells and I need to follow up, but wanted to wait till after the holiday to do that. Guess I just didn't want to handle anything else right now. After reading other comments, makes me feel that I have others to talk to that understand the ups and downs and unknowns. I always say, at least some one didn't tell me I had cancer, just wish there was more work done on what causes RA. I'm 57 and wonder what next 5 years will bring. Just enjoy when you feel good and take the down time when you need it.

Keep the Faith. 

Hi...I am a 45 yr old wife and mother of 4.  I was diagnosed with moderate to severe RA 3yrs ago.  I have joint pain in nearly all of my joints.  I am still trying to find a good combination of meds to put me in remission.  I'm finally down to a low dose prednisone, but can't seem to completely discontinue it without a terrible flare.  As for the negative test, my blood work has always been completely normal and still is.  In fact, by my numbers, you'd think I was the picture of perfect health.....HA!!  My rheumy spent the first year "pretty sure" it was RA since I fit the description and I responded to the RA drugs.  After the first year, the xrays of my hands and feet confirmed early joint changes consistent with RA.  It IS confusing.  It is terribly frustrating.  And it's tough.   But, bloodwork doesn't always answer everything. Go by your symptoms, and read, read, read all you can about RA.  The more you know, the more you can assist with the management of this confusing disease.

I hope they get your pain under control.  I'm still praying for remission, but I'm at least under fair control most of the time now.  Good luck and keep communication open and flowing with your doctor!

Hi!  I just want to let you know that my Rheum, is "pretty sure" I have early RA, but what is holding her back from a definitive diagnosis is the fact that all my labs are comletely normal.  She did mention that it is not at all unusual to have normal labs in the beginning.  What made her believe that it is RA is the fact that I have symmetrical joint pain in both hands and feet.  I also have pain/stiffness in my hips.  I failed 4 different anti-inflammatories and then responded almost immediately to Prednisone.  Did I mention that I came down with all this on my honeymoon this past October???  I came down with a fever and joint pain in beautiful Hawaii!  The fever went away after a couple days but the joint pain/slight stiffness remained.  Looking back I have been having symptoms for the past two years, just didn't know why.  Now everything makes sense.  My Rheum would like to start me on Plaquenil, but I would like to start a family.  Just trying to think what the best course of action should be for me. 

I am right there with you when it comes to frustration.  You are not alone!