What do these initial test results mean | Arthritis Information

I'm 34 and had initial bloodwork done for RA due to symptoms and family history. The nurse called with the results and said the ANA was negative but the RF was elevated. She said normal is 14 and mine was 17. The dr recommended that they get me into a rheumatologist or I could come back in and visit with him.

So here's my question: how elevated is 17? Everything I pulled up involved numbers in different ranges (like 1:20) I'm going to try and talk to the lab today and see if they can give me anymore insight. My inclination at this point is that if 17 is just something to keep an eye on, then I'll start with my regular dr. If, however, that number is something that is cause for more aggressive measures, then I'll skip to a rheumatologist. I just don't want to make a bigger deal out of it than necessary but don't want to waste the time and money on an unnecessary appointment.

Any insight would be great!

the rheumatoid factor is a non specific indicator test. It is positive in about 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis, in a about 20% of the "normal" population, and can be positive in conjunction with other rheumatologicial diseases. App 20% of people with RA do not test positive for the rheumatoid factor.

You mentioned symptoms, that along with a postive test would send me the a rheumatolgoist. Any of these diseases are best treated when caught early and even if you don't come away with a diagnosis you will be better off having checked. Mst PCP's don't have enough expertise to diagnose early rheumatological diseases.

Good question. I also wondered the same thing when my doc told me anything over 13 is considered positive and mine was only like 27. So I thought I really didn't have that much to worry about. I tried to google it and couldn't really find anything.

The only word I remember him using is some kind of latex test. It was a lot to take in, in just that visit. Using words I never heard of.

I am glad you asked. And welcome.

What sort of symptoms are you having? Are you having a lot of problems? 17 is very very very low. When first diagnosed, my number was over 500.

But, RF numbers many of the times don't mean anything at all. I have known people with bad ra that didn't have any number and some people with a number over 1000 that were not as bad as I am.

Right now my number while on meds is around 179.

Go to the rheumatologist. If you do have RA or another AI disease you will be a lot better off for going, and if you don't you will be relieved and only out some money.

I think that one a scale of 1-10, my symptoms are probably around a 3. Nothing that I felt was worth making a sole appointment for. I honestly thought he would just say "you are 34 and have had a baby and that's just how it goes" While several tasks are more uncomfortable than they were 3 years ago (and it was sudden onset after my son was born) I'd say that I'm functioning on about 90% so I really can't complain. My reason for even pursuing it was that both my grandfather and great grandmother had RA and that I am tired of not feeling fully myself. I think its the unknown and the potential that it could be something better nipped in the bud.

The strange thing about the test results (they emailed me the report today) is that it is 17IU/mL which still doesn't correspond to any results I've found online, even in the measurements.

Is there anything to the level (elevated but not sky high) that seems of a concern due to age or no? I ask because I called the dr for clarification--does he think I NEED to see a rheumatologist or come in and see him instead? The message I got back was that he recommends I see a rheum and then follow up with him if I have questions because my levels are, indeed, elevated. Are they just playing on the safe side?

Where it stands now is that I have a referral for a rheum who is supposed to contact me in a couple of days. I guess the next step to expect is appt and further tests?

Also curious if there is any known link to Endometriosis (seems to have connections to the autoimmune system) and/or pregnancy. I know RA can improve with PG but can it have sudden onset afterwards?

Thanks for all your input!

Rachel

The thing about all of these tests are that they are just "indicators" They are a guidline to get things rolling.

Some people *never* test positive for the disease, and yet have terrible symptoms (raises hand!) And some people have sky high numbers, and do pretty well.

As buckeye said, with an elevated "indicator" and symptoms, you're best bet IS going to be seeing the rheumatologist. The best thing ANYONE with ANY AI disease can do for themselves, is early treatment.

Let's put it this way if you don't have RA, as gimpy said you're only out a little bit of cash, and your mind will never wonder.

If you do, you'll get early treatment and hopefully you will remain at a "3" with only inconveniences and never have to get to the level a lot of folks do.

Or......

You can wait, and not go. And you can either get lucky that you don't have it, and it is just that you're 34 and have had a kid.

Or in 2 weeks, or 2 months, or 2 years, you can be living at a "7" desperatly trying to get things under control. The disease is just like that.

So yes yes yes, go see the rheumatologist. You have NOTHING to lose except a few dollars. Or don't go. You have nothing to lose but your mobility.....

(just food for thought there, don't let me scare ya...hehehe I can get on a roll.....)

*hugs*

Endometriosis - do you already have that? I haven't heard of a direct link to RA, but you know, nothing would surprise me at this point. lol

My dr sent my records to the Rheum. and they are supposed to call me this week or next. I'd like to have a definitive answer, if nothing else.

And yeah, I do have Endo. (along with PCOS) I've had 4 laps for it in 10 years. It's better these days but I did have an emergency lap due to both about 10 months ago. Kind of one of those things that after so long, you just take it in stride. It does have connections to compromised immune systems but its kind of a chicken/egg thing, I think. I find it all very interesting and think that if anyone ever figures out the hormone system, we'll have some answers to a lot of questions. I think there's so much guinea pigging going on that its tough to know whether you are dealing with diseases themselves or the side effects of the meds they experiment with.

Anyhoo...I'll see what the dr says and let you know!

Thanks!
R