Question
QUESTION: My 1st ra test came back neg.should I  be retested later on.I am 46 arthritis in hands toes feet hips.Most pain relievers only subside pain a little.

ANSWER: Karen,

It is possible to have Rheumatoid arthritis with a normal RA Factor.

There are many forms of arthritis and autoimmune disorders that can cause the symptoms you describe. You should keep pushing your doctors until you get a diagnosis. It is only when you know the cause of your symptoms that you can begin a proper treatment plan that will help control the symptoms.

Rusty

http://arthritis-symptom.com/Rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms/rheumatoid-arthritis-

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My doctor suggests not to see a rheumatoligist unless I have a positive test or deformaty in hands.That these doctors are few and far between.That they see only severe patients.All info on websites say to see a specialist.What do you suggest.He has never taken xrays on all areas of pain!

Answer
This is not true in the United States. There are plenty of Rheumatologists. There are no countries in which Rheumatologists only see a few patients. They book as full a schedule as possible.

Tell your doctor that you want to know the cause to your joint problems. I do not know what tests you have had done besides the RA Factor test. There are over a dozen different tests that are used to diagnose inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. Living in pain is not acceptable. Doing so with out a diagnoses is insane. Keep pushing them until they find out what is wrong. If they do not know where to go next then ask for a referral to a specialist. If they are not willing to look harder into finding the cause of your joint pain find another doctor.

I wish you well

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/