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I am also sero negative.  New at this, but my rheumy had no problem diagnosing the RA.  He also said that about 30% of the RA patients did not show positive.  He is a specialist with many national credits.  I began a "flare" in February with trouble walking.  First diagnosed with achilles tendonitis.  When the foot specialist x-rayed, he knew from the xrays I needed to go to the rheumatologist.  It took me another month to get in to see him.  He ran all the tests.  The bone scan was the test that showed the most.  When he diagnosed the RA, I asked which joints were involved.  He asked me if I saw the scans?  I said I did.  He said all the red areas at the joints were inflammation and all the ones I had complained about plus a few more were involved.  It has taken me two months to head the right direction on meds.  The MX did not work for me...too many side effects. All the swelling in the joints, especially ankles and knees, got worse.  Depression set in with the great amount of pain.  I am now using Humira injections, plaquenil, Vitamin D, B12, cymbalta, and pain meds.  He injected me last week with steroids.  The swelling immediately dropped, and for the first time in six months, I had a good week.  I don't doubt his diagnosis.  Everything I have read about sero negative makes it very real.  Actually, there was one article that said sometimes in the early stages you test negative and as it progresses, it converts to positive.  I don't have any experience to prove that.  My daughter is RA positive.  Our symptoms are exactly the same....a little different in which joints.  Her hands are more troublesome and my feet are the most troublesome.  We both complain of the hips.  Her rheumy (different town) has treated her very conservatively, and she is not getting any relief yet.  I hope this helps you and I wish you the very best.  Dianne