Thank God for my rheumatologist. She has been supportive through thick or thin.  Originally, she said she thought I had Polymyalgia Rheumatica because of my age and shoulder involvement. I didn’t have it. I have elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) which occurs in those over 60, frequently has an acute onset and includes shoulder involvement. My inflammatory markers at the time were sky high. That was me. I proceeded to become symmetrical and have  followed the classic RA pattern. I am also RF negative.

My RA seems to confuse the other doctors that I have seen recently.  Some think I am just too old to have RA. Some think because my inflammatory markers are not elevated that my RA is under control. Some think I can’t have RA because I am RF negative. Many otherwise well informed doctors do  have outdated information about Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I have sero-negative RA. My RA has never been under control although since my hip replacement I do feel better. My RA is under 5 years old. My feet are becoming  deformed, but are still manageable with the proper shoes and inserts. My RA is not under control. Most who have RA are not well controlled or are controlled only for short periods.

When doctors are not well informed, they have difficulty identifying those who do have RA and need to be referred to a rheumatologist for proper treatment. Doctors need a quick update on their RA knowledge.

My holiday is wonderful. I’m enjoying the tree and holiday music. My new hip is a fine one. I’m grateful.