Doctor, in the past two weeks, I have been experiencing the following:
swelling of the joints in my hands, and feet; stiffness in all joints
including feet, knees, hips, neck, lower back, hands, figures, wrists,
elbows and shoulders. When the swelling in my hands got to the point where I
could not move my wedding ring and I could barely walk without pain, I
scheduled an appointment with my family doctor. He took one look at my
hands and asked if
I have a family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis. He then ran CBC and RF
Bloodwork. I found out today that the test was negative. He prescribed an
anti-inflamatory, one of the strongest, which helped with the swelling,
however the stiffness and pain are still evident in my hands, wrists,
shoulders and feet, especially in the morning. I also discovered that my
natural mother and great grandmother have or had been diagnosed with the
disease. My mother has it in her hands and hips primarily. I am concerned
mainly because I am somewhat lost. With the test showing negative, how are
they going to confirm that this is what is wrong? What are methods of
treatment? What are projected outcomes if the disease is confirmed?
Doctor,
I am only 32 years old with four children; have always been independent,
and
am now facing needing help getting dressed and doing my hair. I am, of
course, not dealing with this well. Can you offer some advise? Thank you!
Reply: -----------------------
I recommend contacting your local Arthritis Foundation chapter and going to a support group. My heart goes out to you, at 32 with four kids and such severe symptoms.
"Seronegative" rheumatoid arthritis is not infrequent. I think it accounts for around 10% of RA, but don't quote my on that. (As a family doc, I tend to spit out percentages from dark corners of my memory without looking it up.)
You may or may not benefit from a consultation with a rheumatologist. He or she could give your family doc some help on your diagnosis and treatment. After that, if things goes normally, your family doc should be able to handle everything.
If you are thinking of having more kids, RA tends to get better during pregnancy, if I remember correctly.
--
Paul Hunter, MD - Family Doc.
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