Everyone is different. I have both Fibro and PsA among other things, at first I thought it was RA but all types of Arthritis have a lot of the same symptoms so it is hard to tell. I was un-diagnosed for 8 years. I had a gut feeling that I had PsA all along and no one would believe me because I was 'to young to have it' and it would not show up in my blood work. Which happens more than people think. Finally a miracle happened last year when I had to get a few X-Rays done and a few days later I found out the doctor who checks out the X-rays after they are taken noticed a mark of something on my liver and it turned out to be elevated liver function. So we then proceeded to get an Rheumatologist but the public help system rejected me EVEN though I had the number one give away of Arthritis so then we turned to the Private health system and a 5 minute appointment turned into a strong diagnoses of both PsA and Fibro. I cannot thank the X-ray doctor enough because it was not even his job to be looking at my liver as my X-rays were not for that. Never give up on something you believe in, especially your health. Trust your body, Know your body and listen to your body! I fought the health system for over 8 years, it was hard but I know my body and I knew something was not right. Stay Strong and I'm sending positive thoughts your way!

My family doctor explained it this way: RA affects the joints and Fibro affects the muscles. I went through a lot of blood work. They check for inflammation markers in the blood. I forget the names of the tests but they were the next step after the basic test. I'll try to find the names in my records. Usually there is swelling in the joints for RA. I had xrays to confirm this too. Good luck with your appointment.

I think an ANA blood test shows for RA and Lupus, or so I thought. I click, swell and have pain in multiple joints as well. May have some more to talk with my dr when I see him in a couple weeks

I have osteoarthritis and a few other medical issues. Usually arthritis can be seen in x-rays, so hopefully they x-ray the joints that are bothering you. I would note which joints are the most painful to help the dr focus.

I also think you can have both. I have had arthritis since my early 20's. It is really to bad there is not a catch all for this disease. But it affects most people in different ways. So sorry your hurting.