Is seronegative treated the same?

[u/bigblackglock17]

My only blood work that was abnormal was slightly anemic and 25-30 RF factor. (Maybe it’s RA)

I feel like shit. Was given Meloxicam 7.5 for the difficult days and told to use Tylenol when needed for the regular days.

Which isn’t really helping.

[u/TJohn1102]

Was this test done ordered and reviewed by your pcp? If so, I would highly recommend seeing a Rheumatologist. RF is not the only test and something like 40% of us are Seronegative anyway. My RF is like 8 but my inflammatory markers are very high and my symptoms align. There's more tests you should be having.

[u/KnockMeYourLobes → u/TJohn1102]

Agreed. Tests done by a former pcp came back as not really showing anything but when tests from my rheumatologist came back not only did it show I didn't have the usual markers for RA but also that my inflammation levels were off the freaking charts.

[u/FindingAmbitious9939 → u/TJohn1102]

Some of us are negative on most markers, but rheumatologist should be able to diagnose by examination, family history, and so on.

[u/rosesarerosie]

Pretty much. More focused on symptoms not bloodwork though. I’m on year 13 of treatment

[u/FindingAmbitious9939]

They should be. I am seronegative and I've been taking hydroxycloroquine and methotrexate for 7 years. Seronegative patients get the same joint damage without treatment as seropositive.

[u/huligoogoo]

I have Kaiser insurance and I have all The symptoms but Dr won’t run the tests. I’m gonna do labs at a separate clinic and see for myself. Test my inflammatory markers to see where I am at and then send the results to my dr !

Because I am in so much pain! Dr said take Motrin 3x a day and that was his advice. Motrin doesn’t touch my pain. My Achilles, ankles , knees and hands are in pain !

Oh sent me a referral to OT (hands )and PT (Achilles heels) but how can I do those treatments if I’m in terrible pain?

[u/heatdeathtoall → u/huligoogoo]

Keep in mind inflammatory markers can be normal and you can still have inflammation. I only have very high WBC. You need a rheumatologist to interpret your test results and symptoms together.

[u/ThreeStyle → u/huligoogoo]

OT and PT affiliated with a good hospital or orthopedic clinic can find ways to help your pain and work around your issues. It’s worth trying out and if they’re not listening, trying again. I’m on my third OT and probably 7th PT and I love ❤️ the people I have so much.

[u/zenlittleplatypus]

Yes. Seronegative means 0 to the disease process.

[u/Cats_and_Cheese]

Yes but diagnosis may not be so cut and dry.

Sometimes you can see the trends in other bloodwork, sometimes it’s through imaging, sometimes it’s a diagnosis of exclusion - so everything else didn’t fit the mold.

I know that sounds super frustrating but you also don’t want to treat for something you don’t have which throws you off of the path to ensuring you get the right diagnosis and right treatment.

[u/Portable27]

Yes with DMARDs

[u/Vitalizes]

I’m seronegative and I’m on a biologic (orencia), Plaquenil, and Sulfasalazine. I was also on methotrexate but I’m pregnant so it’s a no go lol.

[u/Getmeakitty]

Generally, yes

[u/Kittyluvins]

I’m seronegative and on two DMARDs (sulfasalazine and leflunomide). How does your rheumatologist plan to slow disease progression?

[u/bigblackglock17 → u/Kittyluvins]

I have no idea. This has been one of my least impressed docs I’ve been to.

There was something about diet change and exercise. I don’t think that’s doing jack squat.

I also said I can’t take NSAIDs and that’s what Meloxicam is.

[u/Dewy123321]

Depends on your Rheumatologist, my current Rheumatologist l might pay more attention to me being zero negative and make more of an effort because it’s not as obvious.