Positive test results, significant fatigue but little swelling and low level joint pain.

RA has a tendency to show up in subtle and intermittent symptoms at first and can be difficult to diagnose in the beginning. Blood tests are only part of the picture and often used to confirm a diagnosis rather than being the defining factor in diagnosis - you can read more about lab results and what they mean here. The fact that your rheumatologist arranged for another appointment at the month seems indicate that he want to check out your symptoms and disease progression before committing to a diagnosis.

When you have a chronic illness, it's important to do that subtle shift from the doctor being in charge to you being in charge. I would suggest that you do some research on RA - check out our areas on the basics of RA and for people who have been newly diagnosed - and write down a list of questions and concerns you have today with you to the next appointment so you can get the answers you need. If you're concerned about your doctor not being responsive enough, you can consider getting a second opinion.

I was diagnosed in June 08 (by a family physician - RF 252), due to symptoms and lab results he referred me to rheumatologist.  Rheumatologist requested additional lab work, an Anti-CCP...results were greater than 100 (I think normal is something like 0-5 or 0-10).  They also did x-rays, which were normal at the time.  He immediately started me on 1,000 mg naproxyn daily, 2,000 mg sulfasalazine daily, prilosec 40mg daily, and a multi vitamin.  A few months later he added methotrexate, 3 pills weekly, 6 weeks later he increased dosage to 5 pills weekly.  Here I am now, 10 months later, taking 300 pills per month, commuting 2 hours a day back and forth to work, and I don't know if I'm much better or not.  I hurt everyday, it's not unbareable but I hurt daily.  I have a burning sensation in my knees and feet, I'm ill most of the time and I'm completely exhausted!!  The rheumatologist keeps suggesting Enbrel or Humira so I think I'm going to take him up on his offer when I go back May 20th.....

I'm 41 years old and have never taken daily medication, other than birth control.  I've never been sickly either.  I'm thankful that my kids are older, my oldest son is 23 and my baby just turned 14.  I certainly feel for these women that have small children and RA......I don't know how they do it.

Anyhow, in the beginning of the RA diagnosis the doctor will have you come in at least once a month for check up and lab work.  Right now I'm going every couple of months.  It's my understanding that the majority of the irreversible joint damage occurs within the first two years of onset, so, if he doesn't start you on medication soon then maybe you should consider seeing another dr.  You need a DMARD (disease modigying anti rheumatic drug) to treat the disease itself (like methotrexate, sulfasalzine, etc.) and a NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drug) like naproxyn to treat the inflammation. 

I hope this information helps you and I hope you find relief soon.......we can all relate to you.

God Bless You!!