New Diagnosis

Hi there!

about a month and a half ago I was told that I most likely have RA, and that's how my Dr. will be treating me at this point. I've been struggling with the idea, because honestly most of my symptoms don't seem to line up with what I can find online, and am curious if this is how things started for anyone else?

I do have redness joint swelling in my hands, primarily my index and middle fingers, in the middle and big knuckle joints. The pain is tolerable, but makes typing difficult some days. The swelling and tightness, and stiffness are what brought me to the doctor.
I've got some swelling and redness in my big toe joints as well.

The x-rays show no damage to the joints, my blood tests all came back negative for everything they tested for. But, I responded so well and strongly to a week long steroid dose the Dr feels pretty certain at this point that it's early RA. I've been on Mobic (or the generic anyway) for about 6 weeks, and the symptoms are so much better! some days there is some pain and stiffness, but nothing like when not on the medication.

I guess... I'm just second guessing things. It seems so mild compared to everything else that I've seen/read/heard. I'm curious if anyone else started out similarly? or maybe the dr is wrong? (I guess that's what I'm really hoping for).

Anyway, if you read all of that I'm grateful for any input you may have.
Thank you!

Hi welcome to the forum
it Sounds Odd, it is not usual for a local Doctor to give a definitive diagnosis of RA and treatment Without sending you to a Rheumatologist
you may have gout or anything,
it would be expected for your ESR or CRP to be elevated, you can have RA with or without a positive RF
but if it were me I would ask to see a Rheumatologist
sometimes Xrays can be fine but a Bone Scan will show issues

Prednisone can be used to treat a lot of inflammation diseases and they respond very well to it, it is a Dangerous drug to use long term so you really want a positive diagnosis before you get your body stuck on prednisone
I have been on prednisone for 30years and have a lot of problems from it

I think my case is similar, stiffness and some pain in thumbs, fingers, big toes. Elevated CRP, but X-rays and other bold tests normal. Rheumatologist diagnosed RA, started me on methotrexate. I did not tolerate that, have another appointment to go over options. My symptoms are very mild as well.