I'm confused. I just got my lab results today and my Rheumatoid factor was 657. My FP physician called me personally. Sed rate was only 17. ANA, ds-DNA, SS-A, SS-B and RNP were all negative. I've had problems with intermittent pain in hips, shoulders and hands since last fall. My hand pain also includes redness and swelling and decrease in range of motion. They magically appear and suddenly disappear in 2-3 days. They are asymmetrical. I have searched and searched and not read of anyone elses RF being that high. I've also read that the sed rate is usually elevated. I've also read RA is usually symmetrical. I am scheduled with a Rheumatologist but can't get in until July 16. I've also had intermittent facial (chipmunk cheeks) when I wake up in the morning for the past 6 years. Does anyone think this is related to the RA (if I have it?). I guess I'm being impatient and need some reassurance. The problem is I'm an RN and know far too much! Looking forward to replies.Hi Goldie and welcome. I'm not qualified to answer your question but others here are and will. Your impatience is understandable. Most of us have had to wait for our RD appointment and it seems like forever. You want to know what's going on and you want to know now, if not sooner. Oh yeah, we so get that. The fact that you're an RN really does make it a bit more difficult, IMHO, because, like you said, you know too much and might worry more than you need to. Have no fear. We are here to keep you grounded! Hang with us and we'll go through your journey together and help you as much as we can. So good to hear from someone. I would just like someone else to tell me their levels were that high, some sort of reassurance...............Knowledge isn't always an advantage! Thanks for the welcome. I appreciate it.Sorry you have to wait but my rf level was 980 the last time I had them checked they went from 93 to that in less then a year and my sed rate was 22 I just had new blood work done but probably wont get results till august when I have my next appointment. good luckRF was 972 when I had a severe onset of RA. 10 years later I'm in clinical remission. My sed rate was always elevated until the last 5 months. RA teaches us patience if nothing else. It's hard to wait for an appt., get lab results back, wait for multiple meds/treatments to begin to help. It's a disease of waiting. Once you see the RD things should move a little quicker for you. Lindy
I have RF: negative. ANA 1:80
2-11----sed rate: 41 and CRP: 16
4-23----sed rate: 35 and CRP: 19
Next appt <---EDIT is THURSDAY
I have read many people that have "normal bloods" and still have RA. I think that is one thing that makes an RA DX so difficult.
Good Luck!
Hi Goldie and welcome -
My RF was 353 at diagnosis and 706 when I started AP.