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Blood work normal, symptoms of RA

Posted by andriadawn321 @andriadawn321, Apr 26, 2022

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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andriadawn321 | @andriadawn321 | Apr 29, 2022
In reply to @tarmansbks "I am being treated for the symptoms and pattern of swelling. Serum negative should be known..." + (show)
@tarmansbks

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.

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Should I ask my PCP to refer me to the rheumatologist instead of orthopedics?

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2 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 29, 2022
In reply to @andriadawn321 "Should I ask my PCP to refer me to the rheumatologist instead of orthopedics?" + (show)
@andriadawn321

Should I ask my PCP to refer me to the rheumatologist instead of orthopedics?

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That would be my suggestion.
Sue

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tarmansbks | @tarmansbks | Apr 30, 2022
In reply to @andriadawn321 "Should I ask my PCP to refer me to the rheumatologist instead of orthopedics?" + (show)
@andriadawn321

Should I ask my PCP to refer me to the rheumatologist instead of orthopedics?

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I agree that is where to start. Wishing you the best. M.E.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Apr 30, 2022
In reply to @andriadawn321 "Not that I know of but I wouldn't rule it out. What kind of dr would..." + (show)
@andriadawn321

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

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Try going to Lymenet.org and the find a doctor section of that forum. You probably would benefit from a functional medicine doc who knows Lyme and other possible causes for what you are suffering. I think rotating around mainstream docs may not be helpful for you. (Not their fault.)Maybe try a functional or integrative MD with feet in both traditional and alternative worlds.

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berard10 | @berard10 | May 5, 2022

Hi Andria,
My name is Lisa and I first started seeing my rheumatologist in 2019 for bilateral pain in hips hands knees just about everywhere. I had numerous RA testing done prior to going to him and during the time with him and they have always come back negative. Also had testing done for lupus and Lyme.
Even though RA is normally bilateral and OA isn’t I’m being treated for OA but but I also have bursitis and tendinitis in some joints as well seek out A rheumatologist they are specialist in inflammatory diseases do your research and google dr reviews I waited six months and it was a long time but my doctor was phenomenal I say was because he recently retired and I’m so sad she help me so much. good luck

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vrajan41 | @vrajan41 | Aug 9, 2022

It is of no benefit to be skeptical about your medical practitioner's advice. Give it a try and then decide. It may work well for you. All the best.

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