Rheumatoid Arthritis

I'm hoping that maybe some of the experts here can give me their opinion on my symptoms. Please forgive me if this post is a bit lengthy.

I know that when it comes to diagnosing autoimmune disorders it can take years, but having recently moved and aquired a new Rheumatologist (whom i don't have much faith in) I'm concerned that not enough is being done to find out what is going on.

I'm an American who moved to the UK in 2004. Since I didn't have health insurance while in the USA many of my health problems havne't been addressed properly till I moved to London. In December my family and I moved south to Dorset and I just saw my new Rheumatologist last Monday. He started off my appt. my stating he didn't think very highly of London Rheumatologist and more specifically the hospital that was treating me!!! So I've become determined to be more active about my health and treatment! In London I was initially diagnosed with ANA positive inflamatory arthritis. My new Rheum. wants to check me for Lupus though now too.

This made me start thinking of my health since my teens and I've put together a history to take with me to my next appt. in April. So I'd like to start by sharing this.

1990-93/94

Repeated chest infections per year, with visits to emergency room for breathing treatments (blue lips); treated with antibiotics.
Repeated tonsil infections with fevers, treated with antibiotics but never had tonsils removed

1994

Cancer, treated with surgery and chemotherapy

1995

Multiple infections…mostly viral stomach bugs, urinary tract infections

1996

I had a dark patch of skin looked at on my back….dx’d as hyperpigmitism

1997

I had a major manic episode, no treatment was received

1998

My daughter was born, normal pregnancy and birth

1999

Started having pains in my knees on stairs and hills, was manageable with ibuprofen
Started having diarrhea frequently (this still persists)
Knee pain continued to increase so I started using ice to relieve burning pain.
Started feeling worn out and tired a lot of the time.

2001

Started treatment for mood and psychosis problems

2002

Pain was spreading to hips now
Dx with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Started having little bouts of fever….no apparent reason
Had 3 cases of strep throat in 9 months

2003

Started having pain in my hands and wrists
Had horrible migraines….keeling over in pain, doctors did blood work and MRI
Blood tests showed slightly abnormal liver enzymes
MRI was fine
Dx’d cluster headaches
Dx’d with bipolar and ocd

2004

Joints became so painful I was having trouble getting around – needed help on stairs and getting up from sitting
Fevers became more frequent
Legs would sometimes give out on me and/or seize….I would fall
Fatigue was so bad I started needed lots of naps
Started noticing crunching sounds in my knees when they were bent.
Dx’d with Chondromalacia and presc. Diclofenic (which helped so much!!!!)

2005

Referred to a physiotherapist – which was more painful than helpful, he suggested I see a Rheumatologist
GP did blood tests which showed abnormal liver enzymes, high uric acid, and inflammation (RA factor was negative, CRP 24)
Fatigue increased and pain was still troublesome though not as bad on Diclofenic, stiffnenss started appearing in all joints (especially bad first thing in the morning and after sitting for long periods)
Shin splints were dx’d
Dark patch on my back was spreading ….it had grown 3 times the size, and is now spreading down my neck

2006

Saw Rheumatologist, more blood tests, x-rays, bone scan, etc.
Fatigue was extreme now, pain was unbearable, stiffness was increased, more fevers, often limping, joint pain now in ankles as well. Starting seeing swelling in ankles.
Liver enzymes still abnormal and uric acid high….she had me stop taking Diclofenic; ANA positive at 1:640, CRP normal, ESR normal, liver autoantibodies normal, RF negative, IgA raised,
Ultrasound showed fatty liver and gall stones in gall bladder - waiting on surgery
Bone scan showed accumulation of fluid in hips, knees and ankles.
X-rays showed cartilage loss in knees on both sides.
Dx’d inflammatory arthritis and presc. Plaquenil 400mg (Oct. 2006)

2007

Fevers persists
Extreme fatigue
Extreme joint pain and stiffness -sometimes just constant - crunching sounds in knees have increased.
Recurrent diarrhea and abdominal discomfort (probably gall bladder...waiting on surgery)
Frequent headaches/migraines
Increasingly difficult to walk
Just feel sick….
Now being tested for more antibodies associated with lupus

Is that insane or what LOL

This past week was one of the worse. My joint pain was so bad one night I nearly called emergency services I had fevers all week and headaches that also included strange pressure in my head...also had nausea and gagging.

Thankfully today I seem to be only plagued with my usual joint pain - knees, ankles, hips, hands/wrists. Still tired...feel like I could sleep for weeks!

So my question is....does this sound like it could be Rheumatoid Arthritis..even though my RF is negative? And can anybody else relate to my symptoms?

Thanks and sorry that was so long!

Amanda