Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis

jenles

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum as well. Earlier in the year an orthopaedic hand specialist arranged a referral to a rheumatologist. When I eventually saw him he told me he (strongly) thought I had RA. However when the blood tests came back the ESR was normal but the anti-nuclear test was not.
A couple of weeks ago I saw the actual consultant who was less certain of the diagnosis (although I had been started on both Methrotexate and Hydroxychloroquine by then).
A few days ago I received a copy of his letter with a diagnosis of Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis. I don't even know what that is!
Like the other newcomer (Julie00) I also have degenerative spinal disease and have had 2 ops on my spine - the 1st for 2 prolapsed discs, the 2nd a 4 level fusion.
My hands are swollen, painful and stiff; my knees are swollen and painful and I have pain almost everywhere. I can hardly walk, other than around the house, because of the pain. This past week I've had 2 separate MRI scans, one on my spine because of leg/back pain has dramatically increased, the other on my hands. The 2nd scan was very painful.
I don't know where to turn. I am hoping someone out there can help me.

MINKA

what was your esr
when did this come on
could you feel your body attacking you
are they smalll lumps on your fingers only at first and second joint up

theresa4

Sorry just seen this I havent been on for a while due to travel and major relapse

I was diagnosed with sero negative RA when I was 34 Im 41 now. Up until last month nothing showed on my xrays/scans bnut my ESR and CRP would go up and only went down after a depo steroid for a shorrt time, beyond that I hacve generally had swelling in affected joints which ahve lasted months with a short reprive before swelling again.

I was put on sulpha then hydroxychloroquine then Methotrexate (now on injectable as cant tolerate potato starch in tablets have you tried injectable as it is often toelrated better/)

I have been on 5 anti tnf/biologics
Humira (did not work)
Enbrel (did not work)
Abatacept (did not work)
Certolizumab (stopped due to minimal help and rash)
Toccilizumab ( severe itching and rash)

My recent hand scan has shown RA in my wrists and fingers along with Osteo in fingers which they think is secondary to the RA damage.

I do think the MTX has helped me minimise the damage up to now but it does still make me feel ill for a whole day. :?

Sorry cant be much more help hands are very painful at minute

Theresa

stickywicket

jenles wrote:

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum as well. Earlier in the year an orthopaedic hand specialist arranged a referral to a rheumatologist. When I eventually saw him he told me he (strongly) thought I had RA. However when the blood tests came back the ESR was normal but the anti-nuclear test was not.
A couple of weeks ago I saw the actual consultant who was less certain of the diagnosis (although I had been started on both Methrotexate and Hydroxychloroquine by then).
A few days ago I received a copy of his letter with a diagnosis of Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis. I don't even know what that is!
Like the other newcomer (Julie00) I also have degenerative spinal disease and have had 2 ops on my spine - the 1st for 2 prolapsed discs, the 2nd a 4 level fusion.
My hands are swollen, painful and stiff; my knees are swollen and painful and I have pain almost everywhere. I can hardly walk, other than around the house, because of the pain. This past week I've had 2 separate MRI scans, one on my spine because of leg/back pain has dramatically increased, the other on my hands. The 2nd scan was very painful.
I don't know where to turn. I am hoping someone out there can help me.

Hello jenles and welcome to the forum. First of all the Sero-Neg thing - it means that you have an inflammatory form of arthritis. RA is an inflammatory form but (if I've understood this correctly) it registers in the blood tests. Sero-negative forms don't. However, you still have an inflammatory form of arthritis which is why you have been prescribed the meth and hydroxy. These can often take some time to kick in but, hopefully, once they do, you'll feel much better.

If you re-post this as a separate thread I'm sure others will come along and chip in with comments that will be better informed than mine. I know about RA but not so much on other forms of arthritis. You might also find it useful to check out the 'Publications and Resources' listed under that button at the top of the page.

Tubby

I feel for you because I am in almost the same place. I get on OK with Sulphasalazine but not sure it does much good. I am also on Methotrexate which I am not getting on with and like you, I dread taking them . I feel sick, have had a sore throat for about a month, I have rashes etc. The consultant just said split the dose and didn't seem very interested that the side effects were terrible especially, like you, when you are trying to hold down a full time job. I am having a week off the Methotrexate (on medical advice) and was having similar thoughts to you -can I just survive on pain dullers because I am not sure I can face meth for much longer. I feel a little abandoned and don't know which way to turn as I am not sure I can make it the 6 weeks until I see the Rheumy Nurse again. However, there has been some great advice in reply to you and I am sure it will be of comfort - I know it has been for me! So, if nothing else, thanks for asking the questions