Seronegative Arthritis

What are your symptoms? Do you have any other autoimmune diseases?
Some autoimmune conditions, like scleroderma, may be associated with seronegative arthritis or inflammatory arthritis, although no specific tests are available for this type of arthritis.

Here a link to the article about seronegative arthritis symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments, including herbal supplements like turmeric, Boswellia, and Primrose.
https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/ra/types/seronegative/index.html

I have GCA with the probability ofPMR. I also have Sjogren’s disease. I’ve been taking a Actemra for the past year seems to help but only for about two weeks. I’ve already had both hips replaced. I’ve been told I need my shoulder replaced and I have terrible pain in my back, neck, shoulders, and of late both knees. My legs have been swelling for the past few months with no cause that I can find. I’ve had epidurals and SI joint injections. Just trying to do my research and see if my treatment is appropriate. I took prednisone for two years, but was having too many side effects and had to go off.

@carlarosie

Seronegative Arthritis is treated the same way as regular RA. Looks like you are getting appropriate treatment with Actemra. There are other biologics prescribed for RA, like Humira, or Remicade, but you can ask your doctor if those would be a better choice for you.
Sometimes, it happens with biologics, they work for a while, and then antibodies to the drug develop and the response is lost. In this case, another drug is prescribed.
Sorry, about your pain and multiple joint replacements.

After 10 years of joint pain, spontaneous ligament ruptures and begging for help, I was diagnosed last year with PMR. In November’25 my hands completely turned to claws - especially the right one. My primary thought it was carpal tunnel, my rheumatologist was suspicious. The PCP sent the order for an MRI that resulted in “ The findings are most likely due to an inflammatory arthropathy such as rheumatoid arthritis.”
My rheumatologist remotely placed me on leflunomide 10 MG and back onto 5 mg prednisone. I won’t see her until the end of March as she only comes here every 3-4 months. The pred helps, but I still can’t sleep due to pain, nor can I effectively use the right hand. I do have severe carpal tunnel in the right due to inflammation and need surgery on it next month. IF my insurance ever authorizes it.
Nothing shows up in my bloodwork except elevated CRP and SED rates so it is much more difficult to diagnose.
Good luck with your journey, I hope you find the pain relief you deserve.
Terri

I was diagnosed a few years ago with Seronegative, after blood tests and she took a thorough history and a good medical exam of joints and such.

I was diagnosed with seronegative RA after hand, wrist, and shoulder MRIs showed inflammatory arthritis in those areas. I was already being treated with prednisone for suspected PMR in shoulders. Rheumatologist said PMR doesn't affect the hands and wrists the way mine were painful so she started me on methotrexate. I tapered off of the prednisone. I never tested positive for autoimmune disease. The MRIs confirmed i do have autoimmune disease.

I have been disabled for 30 years with 5 autoimmune illnesses and hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. So whether it's my joints or connective tissue, I'm covered (!) These diagnoses were added on from the hypermobility I grew up with. 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Seronegative RA because I had a positive citrulline factor. I just accepted the diagnosis because that is what I felt I was going through.

Before that I was diagnosed with Sjogrens and never had positive blood test for Sjogrens. What these have done was make my path to find healing a lot harder. I've been told it was "all in my head," and "just learn to meditate." (when I had a meditation practice for 20 years)

I also was diagnosed with Sjogren’s disease quite a few years ago.