A few questions | Arthritis Information

Hi,
I just got back from seeing an orthopedic surgeon for an inflamed elbow. I wrote it off as a repetitive golf injury, but the doctor told me I also have an abnormal rheumatoid factor of 45. I have to wait until 8/18 to see a Rheumatologist for an official screening, and the waiting will drive me nuts not knowing. I don't really have any other pain to deal with, so I am hoping the rheumatoid factor thing is an anomaly.

Onto my questions:
- Is there an association with the height of your rheumatoid factor, and the severity of the condition? Is 45 high, really high, or through the roof?
- I realize that RA is progressive, but is the pain? In other words, was this something that came on as minor pain but has become more painful the longer you've had it?

Thanks. Best wishes to all of you.
wow this sounded like me 3 yrs ago. i was 1st told at an urgent care center that my rhuem factor was high. i cant remember how high, but i remember that dr said how high is not the issue, but if yours is abnormal and u where referred to a ra dr. i would guess it might be ra. my pain was severe before getting diagnosed and it is been like a roller coaster.
good luck to u on 8/18!!! let us know the outcome Hi and welcome JB Yes, sadly most of us get more pain in more joints as time goes on. Was diagnosed 20 years ago when RA started in my feet. First one foot then the other - same with my hands. Now, despite being on meds all this time other joints are affected. I think I'd been ill for years before my feet became unbearably painful as I've battled with fatigue since my early teens.

Finger crossed that your surgeon has made the correct diagnosis and you don't have this awful illness

O is the normal RF factor. 45 is very low. Rhuemies can help with the other 106 kinds of arthritis, so lets hope your trouble is just an episode and will vanish with a shot of cortisone.Hi Jb...welcome!

Welcome to AI JB....don't worry yourself sick over it until you've seen the doctor. You'll learn more then. Do some research. Knowledge is power!

Hope to see you around more. Good Luck with your first appointment.

Hey jb.. hope your dr was way off ... it is important to read.. so you know what your options are should you be DX'd... but it can also be frightening.. so tread lightly ;)the rheumatoid factor is present in about 25% of people who never receive a RA diagnosis. You didn't mention any other symptoms so I am assuming you haven't noticed anything. So keep note of anything that might show up, keep your appt, but relax in the meantime. I know its hard to hear not to stress too much but try not tothanks, everyone. the information is very much appreciated. good luck jb - I have seen RF numbers reported in here as high as the 900s. Mine was 150. Let us know how it goes. Cathyhttp://www.arthritisinsight.com/medical/new/first.html

You might find the above link helpful.At one point years ago my RA was in the 700's. I felt like I wanted to die.Welcome JB,
I have only been dx'ed a short while my RA factor was in the 80's and by the time I actually got to see RD and she did redid all blood work it had jumped up. Hopefully you will be one of those people who test positive but don't have it. If not best thing I can say is become informed as best you can. The more informed you are the better you whole outcome will be. After all we are an important part of our health care team. Best of luck to you.
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