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Blood work normal, symptoms of RA
My hands and feet have been aching so badly. My hands ache in the joints. Sometimes it's hard to open jars of pick things up. My feet hurt to walk, like they get all stiff when I don't use them. Even if I sit a while. It's symmetrical, both hands and both feet the same. Everyday for over a month. It started after I battled a clogged milk duct. (I'm 2 months post partum). I went to a Dr who said it that and my anemia and fatigue checked for RA. Well, all my blood work came back clear, no sign of an autoimmune. They referred me to sports medicine orthopedics, and I'm sceptical to even waste my time. Nothing they treat has the same symptoms symmetrical across my body. I'm not sure what else could possibly be wrong, but it's really affecting my quality of life.
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Hi @andriadawn321, I can definitely understand the frustration of having symptoms without having answers. Connects goal is to find members with similar problems, so while we don't offer medical advice, we can relate with personal experiences. When I read your post, the first thing that came to mind was lupus. There are many subsets of arthritis, but the arthritis seen in lupus closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis in that it is symmetric and usually affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet.
Has your doctor tested for lupus at all?
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2 ReactionsThe blood work they did was all autoimmune and it all came back normal. Attached is a photo and it all came back normal. Is there any other way to test for Lupus?
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2 ReactionsMay I suggest the possibility that your nervous system and pain response have gone into "overdrive" with the changing hormones in your body?
Have you possibly discussed your symptoms and your pain with your OB, Nurse Midwife or Doula?
Sue
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4 ReactionsMy ob has written me off under the idea that it is not related to them at all.
That is really unfortunate. In your situation, I would look for a multidisciplinary specialty approach like May or a similar teaching clinical setting. When I hear about symmetrical pain without increased sed rates or other evidence of inflammation, I think of a nervous system response, not Lupus or RA. The hormones from pregnancy and nursing can certainly cause such a situation. Coupled with the stress and fatigue of being a new nursing Mom, makes this scenario even more likely.
Sue
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1 ReactionI am serum negative for rheumatoid arthritis since 1986 but three rheumatologists say I have it due to bilateral swelling. I was in remission for many years until a bout of severe vomiting and diarrhoea in February 2012 due to making a life change and it put me out of remission since then. Serum negative r/a is worth considering. It is not that unusual.
Have you had any possible exposure to a tick? Have you been tested for Lyme disease? You would need a Western Blot, not an Elisa (ask for it) and a doctor who interprets it correctly. Lyme doesn't always test positive unfortunately but it might be worth considering.
Is there swelling when you have pain? Do you react to the sun?
This is what I've thought also. Would a rheumatologist do anything with my negative blood work? Would it be worth asking for a referral? Can the sports medicine orthopedic do anything to determine serum negative RA?
Not that I know of but I wouldn't rule it out. What kind of dr would I need to see for this? My PCP is pretty well written it off and wants to refer me elsewhere which is why I've been referred to orthopedics.
I swell slightly at the joints but I don't react any differently from the sun than normal. I'm pale and burn easily lol
I am being treated for the symptoms and pattern of swelling. Serum negative should be known to any rheumatologist and treated as if your sed rate was positive. Take some time to look up serum negative r/a. Wishing you luck getting answers.