RH factor questions from a newbie | Arthritis Information

Hi everyone....I just received a call from my dr and was told that lab test revealed an elevated level of 26. This is my first test of any kind for arthritis so I'm a little overwhelmed. I go see a specialist on the 28th. My question is.......just how high is "26"?

Thanks,

Donna

My RA factor was 261, with under 20 being the norm. I am not sure what it is now with all the meds I am taking, but wait to see what your Rheumy says.

Hi. I was diagnosed with Ra a few years ago. I am on Plaquelil and Celebrex. My initial Ra factor was 49. It is currently 77. My Dr said I am progressing because My numbers are going up and I am feeling worse..not pain...more fatigue, flu-like symptoms, hands,arms and feel pulsing but not searing pain. Just went today. I am trying to see this whole thing as an inconvenience.............and trying to stay positive. The most important thing is to keep moving...that's what I am told anyway. My meds may have to change soon. He may try a brief 2 week period of steroids. he said if I stop and feel worse then my body is ready for a stronger drug. I was a little confused....always think of questions after I leave : ) even though I wrote some down....He initially told me that the Ra factor doesn't matter..it is what it is...if it's positive I have it so why even keep checking the levels. I always ask because I am curious. Anyway, good luck!while 26 might be elevated, it isn't elevated by much. My RF was 434. What other symptoms have you been having as the RF is only one criteria for RA.

Take care,
Jeanne

Hi and thanks for the replies. The reason I wanted the test done in the

first place was because I've been having EXTREME pain in my feet.

I wouldn't have thought the two were related but RA runs in my family so I went last week and had the blood work done. I also have hypothyrodism and completed 1 year treatment for Hepatitis C (virus currently undetected!!!)

I have some days that I just feel lousy...like I'm getting the flu or something.

Seems like that might be a symptom too??????

Thanks again,

Donna

Hi Donna!

Like you my RF is positive -but very low. 20% of people with RA don't even have a positive RF factor. I wouldn't worry about it. There are many criteria used for diagnosing RA...RF can be positive or negative it can be 30 or 300. It's just a tool for the doctor to use. They also use an anti-ccp test and others.....plus they use how you and your joints feel, look etc...and all your symptoms. Mine, I believe started in my feet too... And yes, the fluey feelings are symptoms too.

Welcome! Trixie

mine is 41....

but until someone actually tells me I have RA and tells me what I can do about it I guess I have to wait

Hi! My Rh factor is only 8, although I have every symptom of Ra there is-(except that one). My joints are swollen- so swollen wearing my wedding rings is no longer an option. i went to a jeweler here to have them resized- I have gone up 2 1/2 sizes. Like you, my appointment is tomorrow with the rheumy for the first time-I've been waiting since June. Are you swelling too? My feet sweel so large it feels like they are going to pop out of my shoes- which I very seldom wear! The fatigue with me is worse some days than others, but even though I am fatigued, I suffer from insommina. I take Lunesta for that whenever I can snag a sample from my primary. Good luck at your rheumy appointment!CarolinaGirl and Panz,

Please make sure that the RD does a Bone scan. I was dx'ed in late 2004 and the first Rd that I had never did a bone scan. I have since switched RD's and the new one ordered a bone scan. I had never had a bone scan done with the other RD. I have since found out how important a bone scan is. They can treat you better if they know what they are treating. Because of the last RD not doing a bone scan I feel he didn't know what he was treating. How can you treat what you can not see?

Good Luck to both of you!

Huggs

Deb

To Sharron

Hi I'm a newbie here too and newbie to RA. At first my levels were only slightly above the norm but enough to "flag" my blood test results. Around 24 I think he said. In the beginning it's very frustrating because it seems that the dr's are reluctant to make the diagnosis. And it's not an easy one to make I've found. I cried on the way home from my first rheumy appt because I really felt like I had no answers. I now know that he wanted to wait and see before he made a confirmation. I have a long list of questions for my next appt Tuesday, and I'm going to ask for more Xray type tests. He seems to focus on the antibodies and I know more is going on. Sometimes the pain is unbearable and I feel like I'm about 90 years old. My ankles have been puffy for about 3 years!!! I don't remember the last time I saw the ankle bone. By the end of the day my feet are "puffing" out over the tops of my shoes. Hang in there and write down all of your questions between dr appts. Educate yourself as much as possible, and try to keep your chin up.