Update on my rheumy appt- yesterday- am confused

twinney
twinney Member Posts: 80
edited 23. Apr 2010, 08:33 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello there all.
Seen my rheumy yesterday, tests done 5 weeks ago for R/A came back inconclusive, no rheumatoid factor, no inflammation detected.
Was a bit confused, as other blood tests done by my gp a few weeks ago showed inflammatory markers were very high, hence referral to rheumy.
So does this mean I don't have R/A, Rheumy seems to think it is O/A in my wrist and hands.
She said that I have Plantar Facilitis ( not sure of spelling) in my left heel and have to have heel pads in my shoes.
I have to have Physio too and she is arranging for me to have an ultra sound scan to make sure once and for all it is not R/A.
I have to go back in 12 weeks to see her , which to me is a long time .
Has anyone of you lovely people had to go through this, I just want to know what is going on so I can get on with my life.
Sorry for moaning, but I know you all understand.
Thanks
Best Wishes Lynda

Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    hi first off it not a moan and it is strange bloods came back with out inflimation if gps did. but at least they are doing further checks and not just fobing you off it takes ages to get right diadnosis for arther because there are so many types and we all react differently to it. stick with it they will get there in the end know it very confusing and frustrating for you good luck
    val
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,355
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Lynda

    It is so annoying - blood results :x They are not the only diagnostic tool they use - but it makes you feel you are 'putting it on' doesn't it?

    Mine have as far as I know, always beeen negative, but the rheumy calls it RA. So who knows?

    I think he is being thorough and the 12 weeks are so he has the results form the scan in front of him. You can still be treated with DMARDs even if the bloods are neg.

    I hope things get sorted for you soon.

    Love

    Toni xx
  • twinney
    twinney Member Posts: 80
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks to you both for your help
    I will have to have patience and wait and see what happens!
    Regards
    Lynda
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Lynda,

    It's frustrating when your bloods don't seem to match what the docs think you have but sometimes RA in early stages doesn't show in the blood tests so they are likely to repeat them.

    Or it might mean that you have one of the 'seronegative' inflammatory arthers which as the name suggests does not have a positive return in bloods for RA factor, but you can have a high CRP blood reading. The seronegatives are treated in a very similar way to RA.

    There is a good factsheet on this website (I tried to copy the link but was useless at it, sorry :oops: ) If you use the search bar up at the top of the page and type in 'seronegatve arthritis' you will find a leaflet that explains what it is and what the various types are like PA, AS .

    It can take quite a long time to get a proper diagnosis so you're right you will need patience :roll: and it may be other investigations like xrays or scans that will help the rheummy decide on what type of arther you have. Important thing meantime is that you get meds to help with the pain and inflammation.

    let us know how yo get on please!

    Iris x
  • twinney
    twinney Member Posts: 80
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Iris,
    Thank you too for your kind reply. Yes it is frustrating but I am sure that I will get there in the end like all you lovely peeps on here.
    I will let you know how I get on, and thank you again.
    Best Wishes
    Lynda
  • caprica
    caprica Member Posts: 195
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hey, i'm in the same boat as you - all negative tests but symptoms of RA.. waiting on an ultrasound scan.. 3 more weeks. Then they'll start me on some medication. Ive been waiting almost 5 months now since this all started but I guess with cases that aren't clear cut they have to carry out the proper investigations before committing to a long term treatment. Sucks for us though!!
    I hope you get something sorted soon!
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Lynda,

    A lot don't show in bloods and keep on at them cus you obviously have something going on and well fingers crossed they start getting you sorted soon.

    I have had years of the see-saw re ra and turns out its pa (which doesn't come up in bloods, in fact most of the inflammatory ones don't i believe?) and well I didn't keep pushing so its best to I think. Hope you have a better idea next time you are seen. Good luck and let us know please? Cris x

    Hi Caprica,

    Good luck for you too flower. x

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