The One Where We Finally Get Some Answers (I think)
Buckle up, friends — today was a Big Day. Two major appointments, one tired me. First up, a mental health check-in where I walked away with a shiny new medication regimen. Because nothing says “personal growth” like leveling up your mental health Pokémon.
But honestly, that was just the warm-up act.
The headliner?
The one we’ve been waiting on longer than a new season of our favorite Netflix series?
The Rheumatology Follow-Up!
Cue dramatic music:
Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Is it Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)?
Is it… none of the above and my doctor just shrugs and offers me a sticker for effort?
Drum roll, please…
Now, because I’m a chronic overachiever (and also because the lab app on my phone is way too accessible), I already knew my lab results about a week ago. Spoiler alert:
- Rheumatoid Factor? Negative.
- Inflammation markers? Also negative.
Which basically left two possibilities:
- I don’t have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- I have something called seronegative rheumatoid arthritis — which is a very fancy way of saying, “Your joints are still wrecked, but your blood is too polite to say so.”
And the envelope says…
Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis!
Congratulations to me! I’m part of the ~20% of people whose bloodwork is like, “Arthritis? Never heard of her,” while the rest of my body is throwing a riot.
Now, before you pop the confetti cannons, it’s worth noting:
This diagnosis isn’t 100% locked in forever. Seronegative RA is basically the “mystery flavor” Dum Dum of arthritis diagnoses. Over time, as symptoms evolve (yay?), it could turn into something else entirely.
What happens next?
- More labs tomorrow.
- Waiting at least another week for meds.
- Probably a gladiator match with the insurance company because my rheumatologist wants to skip the traditional “starter pack” meds (hello, methotrexate) and go straight to the biologic therapies. Apparently, my joints are extra and deserve the VIP treatment.
So basically, stay tuned for The Saga Continues: Insurance Edition.
