Question
Dear Dr,
      I ama 38 year old female.For the past two months I am suffering from joint pain-initially it started with my left shoulder,then to my ring finger,then to my left ankle &now to all my joints & fingers.The x-ray results are normal.The Rheumatologist said my blood test results for rheumatoid factor is negative.I still have pain.The Rheumatologist gave me PREDNISOLONE 5MG(twice) a day & HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE 200MG(28)TAB.When my results are negative still do I need to take the steroids.Because many people tell me to avoid steroids.Please clarify my doubt.Looking forward for your advice.Thankyou.

Answer
Viji,

You can have Rheumatoid arthritis or other types of autoimmune arthritis with out an elevated RA Factor. One of the major ways of diagnosing Rheumatoid arthritis is by the symptoms it causes. Your doctor is treating your symptoms. With the symptoms spreading like you describe it is important to treat the symptoms before you begin to see permanent damage to your joints.

Prednisolone is tolerated well by most people. While there can be side effects to the drug most are minor. It is a good idea to take your doctors advice and see if it makes a difference.

Rusty