Just curious to see what other docs did ot help you. Would you all mind sharing what tests your PCP ran to confirm RA, also the lab values and what's good and bad. Trying to get a better understanding of how that works.
They checked your Sed Rate also right? ESR?
Did anyone have their Thyroid checked too? That was the start of my problems. A diseased Thyroid not treated properly.
Thanks to all.
I think the CCP peptide test ( blood test ) is the most current test. Also the RA Factor blood test. The sed rate MAY be elevated in cases of inflamation and usually is iin RA. A good RA Dr can do these for you to help with a diagnosis.....
Hi TT89,
Go to the home page of this site and look under Medical Information. You will see a sub heading titled lab tests. That will give you an idea what tests are ordered to diagnose RA. It should give you normal vs abnormal ranges.
Initially my Primary Physician ordered a Comprehensive Chemistry, Liver/Lipid studies, Sed Rate, Rheumatiod Factor, ANA Anti CCP Antibody and I think a urine ua/cs. In the beginning my Sed Rate and RF were elevated. The Rheumatologist ordered protein blood and urine studies to eliminate other diseases since my total profile at the time did not fit the classic RA picture. Now that I am diagnosed with RA I have about every other month a UA, Sed rate, CRP, Routine CBC and a Comprehensive Chemistry Panel. I still have an elevated RF and elevated CRP. In a former battery of tests my Anti CCP Antibody was elevated. The Sed Rate strangely enough has returned to normal. None of my Drs have done thyroid studies.
You can have RA and not have abnomalities in the traditional markers for the disease. My Rheumatologist told me he was treating me based more on symptoms than lab work. I did have an MRI of my right wrist that showed two small subacute bone errosions, another "marker" for RA. It is a strange disease that shows in different ways and does not always follow the text book case.
Good luck to you,
Tmir/Barbara