Is there any other disease that causes the same type of joint damage as RA as seen on an MRI?
I have had 2 years worth of pain and swelling of joint accompanied by 4 positive blood tests for Antibody, but negative for Rhuematoid Factor each time. I was diagnosed with RA with Fibro the begining of this year (prior to this, they were thinking MS, then Lupus and then just Fibro). In Feb., I had MRI's done of both hands and wrists and damage of 7mm and 5mm in both hands and wrists were found (with other smaller damage present as well). Is there any other disease that would cause this? I still have swelling, pain and in hands, feet, knees, elbows and my big toe left foot and right index finger have "dropped" slightly. I just want to be certain I do have RA prior to taking the Methotrexate I am suppose to start.
Hi Jules
I know what you're going thru. I was 'diagnosed' with RA six years ago and battled along until I started Methotrexate 2.5 years ago. Now, I've developed complications and one of my doctors went thru a period of doubting the RA diagnosis. It made me so angry and confused. It also confused my family who are my support base. This is a simply horrible place to be. I can't tell you whether other diseases mimic RA. In my case, it turns out that I have developed fibro and another muscle related condition - which according to the doctors are common overlap diseases with RA. In addition, I've developed neuropathy in my hands and feet - it is these complications that caused the doctor to debate the RA diagnosis. However, it has now been re-confirmed (following nerve conduction studies which proved that the joint pain was not nerve related). I am still serro-negative. At the end of the day, it really does depend on trust in the doctor's clinical exam. Also, if you want a second opinion, bone scans might confirm the presence of inflammation. Personally, I have had success using methotrexate. I was very fearful initially but have not experienced any serious side-effects as yet. Good luck.
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Hi Jules
I know what you're going thru. I was 'diagnosed' with RA six years ago and battled along until I started Methotrexate 2.5 years ago. Now, I've developed complications and one of my doctors went thru a period of doubting the RA diagnosis. It made me so angry and confused. It also confused my family who are my support base. This is a simply horrible place to be. I can't tell you whether other diseases mimic RA. In my case, it turns out that I have developed fibro and another muscle related condition - which according to the doctors are common overlap diseases with RA. In addition, I've developed neuropathy in my hands and feet - it is these complications that caused the doctor to debate the RA diagnosis. However, it has now been re-confirmed (following nerve conduction studies which proved that the joint pain was not nerve related). I am still serro-negative. At the end of the day, it really does depend on trust in the doctor's clinical exam. Also, if you want a second opinion, bone scans might confirm the presence of inflammation. Personally, I have had success using methotrexate. I was very fearful initially but have not experienced any serious side-effects as yet. Good luck.
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After a negative RF test I learned that RF tests are positive in only ~30% of people diagnosed with RA, so don't rule out that you do have RA because of the negative RF. Good luck and God bless.
- Thank you for your input
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