Nothing on ultrasound???

Hi Danny, I went through this at first, the RF is not a direct indicator that you have RA, it could also signal another disease like Lupus so Rheumatologists are cagey about giving a diagnosis on that alone. I went for a couple of years being told Fibro myalgia, and then because my blood results showed inflammation, polymyalgia rheumatica. I finally was diagnosed by a bone scan that showed high inflammation pooling in hands and feet. I'm now on MTX and a biologic and feeling much better. Stick at it, keep going back, or change Rheumatologists. Good luck.

  often takes awhile to get a proper diagnosis.    My doctor ordered xrays of hands first and they showed erosions.  Then MRI confirmed that / symptoms of RA

I dont know if ultrasound shows RA   Stiff / painful hands is a symptom-- hopefully you have another follow up appointment so you can find out what is going on.     Or follow up with your GP

Hi Danny, I havnt had an ultra sound, but X-rays and a MRI on my feet. X-ray didn't show anything, but the MRI showed inflammation around the joints and bones of my feet. Plus I have stiff hands and other joints. My bloods showed only slightly raised levels.The feet become very swollen, hot and change colour, red&a blue blotches. My Rheumatologist told me at first Psoriatic R.A. Then changed his diagnosis to Seranegative RA, negative dosnt show in the blood always, but Posative does. Probably see if you can look on the web site. Not saying this is what you have, but there are a lot of different illnesses that it can be and it takes time to find out. As Mary has said, DMard medication helps a lot. I am on Benepali injections, it took nearly 2 years to get to this point, but feel a lot better now. Keep going back and I hope you get some relief soon. Take care Linda.

Hi Danny,   ultrasound did not detect RA for me , only a blood test.

My first indications were pain in my right knee,  then left shoulder, then hands and wrists.

Good luck on the wear and tear suggestion.

The Doctor maybe right, i had a discetomy back in 2000as i had a pompression of the spinal cord, and this was due to wear & tear.

WAhen i was first diagnosed with RA the ultra sound imagies wher very scary to look at , with very cloudy grey ereas between my joints in my hands and feet.

Since ihave been on verious medication, it is now under control with Prednisanol & Rhoactemera. And the last ultrta sound i had showed clear gaps between my joins, however i still have very painful stiff fingers and wrists, and i still get cramping and stiff toes from time to time.  Just for the record my RA factor was 117 and infamation traces of 159.....high i know but i did have it very aggressive, if your rheumatologist say's there is nothing to worry about then "don't".....but if you start getting a lot of pain and swelling get back it touch with him and get some treatment ,RA is a dibilitating condition and the sooner you catch it the better you "might" be. I hope ihave helped you with your question....stay well ...Andy.