Q: How is rheumatoid arthritis diagonosed if not by blood test
After years of doctors appointments, I was referred to a Rheumitologist. He did numerous tests, blood, x-rays, questionaires, physical exam, etc. I did not have positive blood tests. I did not have significant x-ray data. I was diagnosed from physical exam. My hands gave me away. I was diagnosed with RA based on answers to specific questions and uniformly swollen joints on my hands and feet.
I had an ultrasound done on my hands that showed synovitis and erosion on my bones. The reason for the ultrasound was my rheumy thought I had carpal tunnel syndrome. My orthopedic surgeon still thinks I have carpal tunnel even though I had the electrical tests done too and they came out negative.
Then my doctor had the blood test done and my SED rate was very high. It should have been below 20 and it was at 57. 
My hands gave me away too!!
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