0-5 is normal, mine is 2...so what does this mean? I tried to figure it out, and seems like this is how it goes...
If it is over 5 (positive result), then you more than 80-90 % positive have RA.
BUT...from what I understand, only 40-50% of RA patients have a positive Anti CCP.
Does this make sense, and is this correct? Or is it possible that there was an error made in my diagnosis?? I don't believe that there was, I have had a few episodes that made me TRULY believe it IS RA, but you know.....
Thanks, Staci
It only means your Anti-CCP was normal. So you're among the half who have negative bloodwork. (sero negative) It does not mean you don't have RA. It's just easier to diagnose if you have positive bloodwork. Mine was 385, so it was a no-brainer for the rheumy. Your doc will just have to use his brain more than mine did--your diagnosis is based on a lot more indicators than bloodwork.Yep Sara. I think we were actually fortunate that our bloodwork was positive. It would be very frustrating to wonder. I would definitely be in denial I thought it worked both ways but I'm not an expert. However, that is a pretty high result. I guess there is a point when it just is. Mine is negative also so like Roxy I guess I sometimes still wonder if they are wrong. Of course, that would mean I'm not being treated for something and that wouldn't be a good thing. It sure would be nice if there was a definitive test. I sure would feel better!I'm negative for RF and anti-ccp but there's no doubt in my rheumy's mind I
have it. I know it's hard while there's doubt about your diagnosis, but if
you've got the other indicators, then I guess that's what it is.
Staci--My rheumy told me that RF, anti-CCP and sed rate were the biggest indicators in the beginning--the diagnosis stage. Then they watch the sed rate and CRP (whatever that is) every month to see how the meds are doing. To give you an idea, in the beginning my RF was 276 (normal 0-20), sed rate 92 (normal 0-30) and anti-CCP 385 (normal <20.) Now that I'm on meds, my CRP was last read at 0.3 (normal 0.0-0.5 .) In the beginning, it was 60.0. The sed rate is down to 14. So all is well.
I think you're the type of person I am--matter of fact. I want to know my bloodwork numbers every time. They can tell me I'm fine, but it's nice to see it and track it myself. I just ask the nurse for a copy of my bloodwork every time. She's so used to me now, she has it ready when I walk in. I figure it this way--I'm paying for it, so I have a right to it. They might think I'm strange, but frankly, I don't care. And they're very nice about it, so no problem. You might want to ask them to give you copies.
KAT
Here's another glitch...is it possible that the Sulfasalazine effected my test results?Staci,
Don't know what sulfasalazine is, sulfa drug used to treat urinary infections????
But, I've definetly got the symptoms for sure but not in my blood, that just bugs the hell out of me???
KAT
Hey Kat....Sulfasalazine is used as a treatment for RA.
staci, glad your test came back negative - even if you have RA maybe this means it'll be less aggressive. I HOPE SO