Had my first appointment with the Rheumy here in Panama today. He ordered the anti-ccp that you all recommended and another test that I haven't seen anyone else mention, PCR. Does anyone know about the PCR? I tried to look up info on the internet but didn't get much.
The best I could find is that it's a test to find mycoplasmas in the blood. Apparently, that isn't uncommon in folks with chronic diseases. I'm sure someone will come along that knows more than that.Thank you so much for taking the time to look it up. Yes, I finally ran across an article that talked about mycoplasmas too. Is it a test that is done on a regular basis? It sounds kind of cutting edge to me. The article said that it also has something to do with DNA replication and searching for specific genes for certain diseases. Wow! Can't believe how advanced this doctor seems to be. The anti-ccp test goes to the US for testing and will take 2 weeks to come back. I'm not sure who does the PCR. Anyway. I see him again November 1st and will report back with the findings. (Today, of course, he couldn't find any swelling even though the achiness and stiffness continues)
yeah, well. isn't that the way. I always say that the most sure way to start feeling well is to make a dr appointment!! No prob looking that up, I gotta admit I didn't read a whloe lot of it, it was a pretty technical article I found and it was a bit too brainy for my understandingMycoplasmas are the
smallest self-replicating organisms known to science. Viruses are even
smaller, but they lack the genetic machinery to self-replicate. There
are hundreds of types of mycoplasmas that can be found in plants,
insects and animals, but only a few can be found in the blood and
tissues throughout the human body. Not all mycoplasmas found in humans
are pathogenic (disease-causing).
And here is the rest:
Sure hope it helps you!
Are you sure it was PCR, and not CRP that checks for inflammation?
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