Positive Rheumatoid Factor | Arthritis Information

Hi Gang.

So I finally got my test results back - the xrays of my hands and feet looked okay, but the doctor said I have an elevated rheumatoid factor. She wants to wait 3 months and re-test, as the other things (ESR, etc) were in the normal range.

Also, she is testing me for Lyme disease and Parvovirus. Could these cause elevated Rheumatoid Factor?
Thanks, and hope everyone is well as can be.

Hi MJ - three months seems a long time for you to wait for retest, especially since you are showing RF. Are you on any medication? I've just been reading back on your old posts - this has been going on for you for quite a while! - You say "doctor" in your postings - Are you with a Rheumatologist or a GP!

I don't know if RA Factor is or can be part of a Lyme Disease or Parvo diagnosis, I know that Lyme Disease can mimic RA.

Also, I have blood tests every six weeks which results are sent to my Rheumatologist. During 2 very severe flares my ESR was OK - and my RH told me, that's is not unusual! The only time I have shown elevated ESR in my blood, was at the time of my initial diagnosis by my GP, who promptly referred me to a Rheumatologist, and who after examination and questioning, diagnosed me with RA - Sero Negative (which means I do not have the Rheumatoid Factor). Lots of members here have Sero Negative RA - symptoms and treatment the same as those with RA Factor!

My thinking is that if you have RA Factor, - you have RA! And will need the correct medication to prevent damage to your joints, and what fits for one doesn't always fit for another, but it's a matter of trial and error for a while. But of course, I'm not a Dr or an Rh, but I do hope you are with an Rh. They have their finger on every button - sometimes it is a bit difficult for a GP to diagnose.

Have a good day!!

Hello, MJ. There are many other things that can cause a postive RA Factor. Not all people who test positive for that factor, have RA. And, there are many people...about 30%...who have RA that never test positive. It takes a while to sort everything out. Do you have swelling and pain in joints on both sides of your body? Rheumatologist rely on clinical symptoms, as well as blood test to diagnose RA. I hope you find some relief soon.

Blessings,
VMy RF has always been quite high. I was diagnosed with RA by a GP four years ago on the basis of the RF (1800+) and serious joint pain. Since then, two rheumatologists have expressed doubt about the diagnosis of RA. My x-rays show a great deal of osteoarthritis and other joint problems, but little to no RA-type damage. I've been on 20mg/week MTX since the beginning. Last year, my RD took me off the MTX to see what would happen. Within two months, the pain was the worst ever. So I went back on the med, and the RD concluded that, yes, I probably have RA. His opinion is, "Who cares what you have; the medicine is working." My last RF was over 3000 (!) MJ - a good post from Cataholic!

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/ask-the-expert/clinical-020002/high-rheumatoid-factor-what-does-it-mean-1202.html

And - I love the statement from your RD - says it all really, doesn't it!!

"Who cares what you have; the medicine is working."

And that's just what we all want to happen!!

Just in case the link doesn't work, here's the post from the the Hopkins!


	My RA factor is 412 butand my Sed is normal. what could cause such a high RA factor? It was checked 3 times just to make sure it wasnt a mistake. Thank You

	HI Victoria, An interesting question. Why was the RA factor drawn in the first place? I assume you were having some joint pain. A positive rheumatoid factor can be found in other conditions besides RA, like chronic infections. However, a very high level like this is a clue that RA MIGHT (not definite but MIGHT) develop in the future, even if it is not there now. So, someone with a very positive RF should be seen by a rheumatologist and followed periodically. IF there is already joint pain present, then a visit to a rheumatologist is a must !!

Kiwilass22011-03-23 19:43:08Jeanne, thanks for that link. Lol, I decided to "ask the expert" myself! I want to know if I "shouldn't care" what I have.Well thank you for your thoughtful replies. I have not seen a rheumatologist, only my GP. I am having bilateral joint pain in my hands, wrists, elbows ankles and toes, and most recently in my shoulders. Sometimes the pain wakes me at night, and I have been completely wiped out with fatigue these past few weeks. I am falling asleep at work and driving stupid because I am so tired.

The rheumatoid factor was "somewhat elevated" but ESR and C-Reactive Protein were normal.

The problem with my GP, I think, is that she is convinced I have MS, even though the MS specialist said my symptoms (vertigo, numbness, tingling, blurred vision, and positive for lesions on my brain) did not look typical of MS. My GP thinks it is simply too early in my development of MS for the specialist to be comfortable making a diagnosis, and thinks I will be confirmed in a few years. So maybe she is stuck on that notion to the point that she isn't seriously considering any other options. I don't know. Maybe I should see a different GP?
Hugs.