I also had negative blood work, it is called seronegative RA, your doctor will use other means to diagnose your RA. Mine used xrays and mri. My joints were so messed up - she listed me as moderate to severe RA. I started on methotrexate which caused problems of me catching every darn bug out there. With COVID, we stopped taking it completely. Just started on hydroxychloriquine- no results yet( have been on about 3 weeks)- it usually will take at least 6 weeks to 4 months to start notice improvements.

When my PCP ran bloodwork, it showed a positive ANA and clear signs of inflammation (in the blood, but not on the X-ray). She sent me to a rheumatologist. In between those 2 appts, another DR. (Telehealth) gave me an RX for dexathamosone. (Steroid). I took it, out of desperation. I couldn’t function, the pain was SO INTENSE. One week later, I went to my appt. They redid the bloodwork, adding a lot more tests. My results came back with the ANA negative, but the inflammation could clearly be FELT when he physically examined my hands. Plus many other factors. I was diagnosed with SERONEGATIVE RA.. Dr. said that it is not uncommon especially early on (onset was maybe late January, early Feb this year - 2020). I’ve had trouble with my hands for years (carpal, tendonitis) but this was a nightmare. He is treating it the same way as a positive ANA. They gave me Methotrexate. However, it has now been a few months. I’m up to 7 pills a week with no progress. I’m at my wits end. Ok, maybe a little progress. But it is very minimal. And it’s not getting any better. I am the one who needs to make the call, to advocate for myself. I’ve just had so much going on that has taken my focus away from my health, ...oiy. I wish you the best of luck and the moral of my response is: if you don’t understand: ASK. If you don’t like the answers: SAY SO. ASK FOR CLARIFICATION. It’s ok to say that you don’t agree, just be respectful so they will continue to listen to you. If you don’t feel that your condition is being handled appropriately, find another Dr. Good luck.

I'm RA negative, the seropositivity option doesn't mean you don't have RA.

@ ToniLynne: I hope you find something that starts working for you. It's funny. I know I have pain. I know something's causing it. I guess logically it makes sense it's RA. I'm just in denial. But I am taking my meds hoping they'll help. It all seems so drastic. And the danger of meds involved. And the awful side effects. Aaaargh. 😞