I have been experiencing joint pain and stiffness that is accompanied by periods of extreme soul sucking fatigue. At first it would come and go. For months I would have no problems and would forget about
it. Then it started happening more frequently until I can no longer remember the last time that I had a good day physically. Many days I get through the things that I absolutely have to and then spend my time on the couch or in the bed. It hurts to sit. It hurts to stand. It hurts to lay down. Sometimes I have to grit my teeth to get up from my couch or desk to walk. This is really holding me back from being the kind of dad, husband, musician, and employee that I desire to be. Both my mother and uncle have rheumatoid arthritis. Mom's is pretty severe . To make things worse the RA treatments caused her to have other auto immune issues that are even worse. Her difficulties with treatment is what has kept me from exploring my own condition. I fear the side effects of treatment as much as I do whatever disease I might have.
Last week I finally went to the doctor as it has gotten to the point that I now have trouble sleeping due to the aching that I experience in my feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists , and shoulders. They listened to me describe my symptoms and my family history. Blood tests were ordered. he tests came back with no indicators for RA. The doctor did go ahead and refer me to a rheumatologist to have a more in depth check.
What do I do if the rheumatologist finds nothing?
What other diseases can cause these issues?? I understand that other autoimmune disorders can have similar symptoms, but wouldn't they show up on the blood test as they have similar indicators?