PsA vs Seronegative RA. How do they know?
Since I’m stuck in Neverland right now with “only” an Inflammatory Arthritis diagnosis, I am seeking input on: how did your dr determine which you have?!! I have symptoms of both, no psoriasis but family history, negative Rh factor.
Would love to hear from some of you prior to my dr visit on the 13th.
Thank you in advance for sharing. It is so helpful.
Hi Emmie! With negative Rh bloodwork, arthritis, and a family history of psoriasis, I would be suspicious too! About 10-15% of people with PsA won't have the accompanying psoriasis, so it's not unheard of for sure. We do have this article about PsA diagnosis if you're interested:
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/test-diagnosis/
I'm pretty sure I just responded to your comment in another thread about tendon issues, which can also be a big PsA red flag. Do you have an itchy scalp or pitted nails? These are all things I would bring up in my visit!
Best wishes,
-Victoria, Community ModeratorI've had psoriasis since grade school..never bothered me til I turn 17 and had traumatic incident. My dermatologist gave me coal tar. I followed diection and never another problem til about 15 yrs ago I begin getting little plaques here and there but handled with topicals. Now at 59....I am constantly in severe pain even sitting. 4 yrs ago they diagnosed me with psoriactic Arthritis superimposed over osteoarthritis. Finally I began Enbrel and it cleared up the plaque but has not helped tendons or joints. The last 2 months of the shots the plaque appeared in huge flares.
My doctor looked at me with unguarded distaste and disgust. With RH negatve AND positive I am scared.....This stuff affects you all over...I just want to be normal again. Other topicals gabapentin, Ibuprofen, tramadol and cymbalta ...I don't know hiw to get thru to my rhuematolgist that I am in severe distress!
Hi Gerria, this sounds really tough and I think how you are feeling is totally valid and understandable. Emmie’s suggestion of finding a new doctor is a good one, if it’s possible. Something else that may help is to take someone with you to your appointments – sometimes it can be beneficial to have a bit of moral support, or the other person may feel more comfortable/able to push the doctor a little harder on some issues.
Please continue to come by and share how you’re feeling – we are all here to support you <3
What is Seranegative RA?
Gerria, I’m so sorry for all you are going through! I’m afraid I may have to consider a new rheumy if mine looked at me with disgust! A caring doctor who LISTENS is worth their weight in gold. It’s hard enough to deal with this disease without having to convince the only person that can help you that your symptoms are real. That’s simply awful and, in my humble opinion, unacceptable.
Seronegative RA is when your “typical” blood work is in the normal range (Rh factor, CRP, Sed rate) yet you have all the clinical signs such as migrating, symmetrical joint pain, warmth over joints, fatigue, rashes, etc. In my case my only “positives” are ANA and joint fluid analysis found to be in the range of inflammatory arthritis rather than osteo. Inflammatory arthritis is an “umbrella diagnosis” as RA, Lupus, PsA and a couple more that don’t fit my symptoms all fall under this category.
Thank you, Vicki, for the link. Great information!
