Lab results | Arthritis Information

I got copies of my lab results and am confused. Sed rate, c reactive protein, and antistreptolysin were abnormal-high, ANA was in normal range, and RA Latex Turbid was on high end of normal. CBC was normal except MCH- high, MPV- low, Thyroid was all normal range except T3 which was low.

Dr. says RA, but I thought I had to have abnormal ANA and RA (Rheumatoid factor)to have the disease, am I just confused?

I don't see the rheumatologist until July 16. It is pretty confusing, but at least 20% of people with RA have seronegative RA, meaning their Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is negative. ANA is another where not everyone has it. Sed rate, CRP and (oh, there's another but I can't think of which one) are inflammation markers and if they're high, then something's going on. The RA diagnosis can be made with those tests along with a clinical exam, and sometimes x-rays, MRI's or a nuclear bone scan. It is possible to have those tests and some of the same symptoms and have a different illness, but your rheumy should be able to determine that after you see them. I know it's hard to wait...can they get you on the cancellation list in case something opens up sooner?

You may also want to see an endocrinologist about the thyroid T3.

Good luck!

jenn, I hope for you that it isn't. And it might not be. But then again the other possibilities might not be any better.

Since you're new, I hope you won't mind my repeating a story I've told many times here. I was dx'd with fibro 8 years ago and have been seeing the same RD this whole time. Two years ago, when I started getting different symptoms, I talked to my RD about it. I remember being in the waiting room, seeing all the colorful pamphlets for RA meds and wishing that I had RA, not fibro which doesn't have many treatment options (and at the time no FDA-approved meds, now there's one). The problem is that I didn't wish specifically enough, and it turns out I have both!

Anyway, my grass-is-always-greener point is that although RA isn't a good thing to have, they've come a long way in treating it and there are options. The other diseases that have similar symptoms may not be any easier to treat. Whether you have RA or something else, you're welcome to hang out here with us. The most important thing is to get you feeling better.