Within a few months, I was referred to a rheumatologist…an excellent one. Over the course of a couple of months of testing with negative results, she told me that I have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.  She said that approximately 20% of all patients she sees test negative for rheumatoid arthritis, but actually have the symptoms.  It has always been expected, so it wasn’t too much of a surprise. I had already done the research, so I was prepared. RA isn’t something that I would wish on anyone, but in the big scheme of things….it’s manageable. At the time, I had already lost a friend to cancer, so I didn’t take the time to participate in a pity party. I have a life and a happy family to be a part of…upward and onward!

My rheumatologist prescribed another round of prednisone and started me on methotrexate and folic acid . The folic acid helps to prevent hair loss and mouth ulcers, side effects of the methotrexate. Within three weeks, my stiffness and swelling went away. In the three years since diagnosis, I have only had two major flares! Many people have a poor response to methotrexate so I feel very blessed. My only bad reaction to all of the medications that were prescribed earlier was to Mobix. My face blew up like a blowfish. But, even this gave an opportunity for my family to laugh at me…we like to laugh.

My morning started out in this rheumatologist’s office for a checkup. It is always nice to go in and report that I am doing well. I don’t think she hears that from many of her patients. We decided that I could try reducing my methotrexate in the off chance that I am in remission. Here’s hoping. (Whatever happens….I’m still wearing my Tevas)