Not Diagnosed but have symptoms.

Derwent

Hi, all happened within the last 5 months.

• persistent rash on back.

•Diagnosed with Reynaulds

•Diagnosed with severe vitamin D deficiency.

•Started getting sore painful hands, very tender, dry fingertips with little cuts and dead arms when sleeping.

• Then sore MTP joints and feet.

•Waking up with sore hands and dead arms.

All blood tests and x days came back fine, now waiting for ultrasound.

Not sure if it could be Vitamin D deficiency as wasn’t tested after initial dosage and haven’t had any since, or could have RA but not showing in tests.

Just wondering if anyone has same sort of story, as I’ve read that RA might not show for years in some people, but the earlier you are treated the better.

Even if this ultrasound is negative I’m thinking of asking the doctors just to treat me for RA as if it eventually shows in tests down the line a lot of damage could have been done.

Thanks.

fred890

You're absolutely right to be thinking ahead. RA can sometimes take a while to show up in blood work, especially in the early stages or in seronegative cases. A lot of people with similar symptoms get dismissed early on because of normal test results, but your symptoms are real and deserve proper attention. Pushing for early treatment or at least symptom management could help prevent long-term damage if it does turn out to be RA or something similar. Definitely talk to your doctor about a proactive plan, especially if things are progressing. You know your body best, trust that instinct.

annabanana

hi @Derwent and welcome to the online community; it’s great to have you here! I understand how uncertain waiting/searching for a diagnosis can be, it definitely isn’t easy. I believe a few people have posted similar experiences on here before (having symptoms but not showing anything on blood tests initially). It can be a frustrating place to be in, and hopefully more people with similar experiences will comment on here or you could use the search function to find some.

Really hope the ultrasound brings you some clarity — and I will attach some links on RA in the meantime.

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-questions-answered/your-questions-on-osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis/

Derwent

That’s great - thanks.

Nikbok

Hi,

I've been diagnosed with seronegative RA- I have quite a few of the same symptoms as you, with nothing showing in my blood tests at any point, however the ultrasound did show synovial thickening in my hands. I also had a steroid jab prior to any test results that provided almost complete relief from my symptoms, which the consultant also said was a sign it was RA. So it's definitely worth waiting for the ultrasound, that may show something the blood tests don't. Good luck with getting some answers!