hi everyone...new to this board
my husband has been having alot of undx problems, only to develope gout in his toe and then both hips and 1 knee hurting. pcp did arthritis panel which only part has came back. the uric acid is 8.6 with normal <7, and rf was 36 with normal <20. He has what we thought were enlarged lymph nodes through out his body. Don't have an appt with rhume yet, trying to get one now. Just wondering if this is considered extremely high on the rf? He has other things going on too, (blood in stool and extreme left adominal pain) scheduled for endoscopy and colonoscopy on Tues. Anyone with any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
His RF is not really high at all as compared to a lot of others on the message board. I have heard of it being as much as 1200. There are a lot of other factors that figure into a diagnosis of RA. According to guidlines he must have at least 4 of the symptoms. There is a link to them here somewhere. Can anyone help her out? Best of luck with the scope.
Lesle
Several sites list criteria. Some USA sites use criteria established by American College of Rheumatology. Others, such as Cleveland Clinic, may use additional criteria.
http://www.fpnotebook.com/RHE123.htm
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/rheuma tology/rheumarth/table1.htm
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/aa19268
Thanks for responding!
Lesle, thanks for the hope of luck with the scope.
Lee, thanks for the sites!
I am hoping and praying for the best. I am glad to know that if I need to talk, someone is out there to listen!
Wish you all the best.
Rheumy appointment is definitely the way to go. Best of luck to you!Good Morning gpsimmons,
Good Luck on those test that your husband is about to have. I know it hard not to worry but try not to let all of this stress you both out to much. you both need to keep your strength up. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.
His RF is a bit low but my RD said that it might be because of just being caught at it's early stage. If everything points to RA, this could be a good thing, since they like to start you early on therapies that may stop some joint destruction.
Once again, Good Luck to you both.
Toni
Thanks again everyone!
Keep us in your prayers! I have read some of the other post with people waiting months for a dx. You all sound so strong. It has not been that long with the start of this, and I am already feeling nutty!
God bless all of you and your family!
Gina