Phil, RRV probably stands for Ross River Virus. People who are infected with RRV often develop polyarthritis - this is a form of arthritis which involves five or more joints simultaneously.

If you are infected with RRV there would be antibodies (IgM, produced shortly after infection and IgG, produced later) in your blood specific for it.

Those tests came back negative (EIA = Enzyme ImmunoAssay is the name of the procedure that was used).

I am impressed that your doctors checked that possibility out.

Yes he is the good old fashion doc. He sits down and talks to you. Great bloke.

I'm glad you have a good doctor, Phil. I'm glad you don't have Ross River Fever, but I hope you get some answers soon.

- regarding testing for RRV.

I'm in SE Qld and Ross River Fever is an epidemic. We had late cyclones and extreme heat this year. According to Queensland Health there were almost 3000 cases of Ross River Fever reported in inner city Brisbane alone in the 3 months from January to March this year.

I don't live there, but I do live in a bit of a hot spot myself surrounded by a fresh water lake. It's unbelievably common now in the south of the State whereas once it was mostly found north of the Tropic of Capricorn and in areas around Townsville, Cairns etc., so anyone presenting with certain symptoms such as unexplained pain, rash, fever or fatigue will be tested (mainly signs of post viral syndrome / chronic fatigue syndrome).

Believe it or not, a vaccine was developed sometime in the '80s but it was not "considered financially viable to manufacture". They'll be wishing they did now.

Sorry to ramble on about it.

Thanks for the support. Yes good one to rule out. Like most may never get an answer. Will be good to get the PET scan out of the way and maybe some answers there.
Thanks again.