yes you have arthritis, now you dont.

John&jean
John&jean Member Posts: 14
edited 24. Nov 2010, 02:04 in Living with Arthritis archive
My son was 21 and started to get a lot of pains around his body ( mainly the knees, ankles, shoulders and hands) he went to the doctors who did numerous tests and said he had arthritis. They gave painkillers and anti inflammatory drugs and to see a specialist every 6-8 months.
Around 8 years ago they said seeing a specialist was not needed and said if pains get any worse see your GP. My son has just got on with it and coped very well until recently. His hands are very inflamed and started to get nodes around the knuckles same goes for the knees, so I encouraged him to go back to the GP. The GP said there is definitely something going on and gave more tests. The result was no arthritis and no help was given. He has been back complaining of pain but just been given pain killers.
Can the tests be wrong ? is there any form of arthritis that the symptoms are hard to trace ? I do feel sorry for him as I know he is in a lot of pain and wont go back to the GP as they just just fob him off with pain killers.
All advice welcome :)

Comments

  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm sorry but the only thing i can say is that he goes back once more to the GPs and ask very firmly for a referral to the hospital.
    I'm sure there will be some along soon with good ideas.
    It must be awful to watch your son like that
    Love
    Hileena
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi again, Yes, you can have sero negative inflammatory arthritis which doesn't show up in blood tests, though he might have some raised inflammatory markers. Some people don't though, I hear.

    He should be referred to a rheumatologist who will assess him based on the pain in his joints as well as any blood results. It can be very difficult to diagnose some kinds of arthritis and they are best placed to do so.
    good luck
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I was diagnosed with sero-neg in March and have never really had any inflamation, maybe it's yet to come, but I know the blood tests were negative too...
    Hope you find some answers and get a referal to a rheumy soon.

    Tony :D
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It could well be a sero-negative form of arthritis, and as your wife has RA it is already evident in the family. Your GP should be aware of this and referring your son to a rheumatologist pronto! There are many forms of arthritic conditions - GPs don't necessarily understand them all. Mine certainly doesn't - he is more than happy to leave it all to the hospital. I have PA. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben

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