I have had a lot of symmetrical joint/muscle pain and some swelling in my fingers joints. I recently had blood tests ordered from my GP and I have been diagnosed Hypothyroid, put on Synthroid and my R-factor was 46 H ref range <14...
Is this high enough to consider RA?
My GP knows nothing about it and I
will see a specialist soon but am curious about the range...I am
desperate and new here...
Fawkes, glad you're seeing a specialist soon.
I don't know what's considered a little high versus really high in the RA range, though I've heard people on this board mention numbers way higher than 46. I'm not RF positive myself--yet, though I understand it's likely I will be as the months go by.
Elevated RF doesn't necessarily mean you have RA.
And a number of people who have RA never do have an elevated RF.
So, you can't diagnose just by RF, though having a very high level and a diagnosisis of RA is often linked with a more severe case of RA. More important to the doc will be your symmetry, swollen and painful joints, and the length of time this has been going on. Even with these classic signs, it could still be something besides RA (temporary infection, Lupus, Lyme disease, and many other possibilities).
The others will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you're RF level is in the very high range.
Waiting to see the specialist is aggravating, isn't it, because you just want to know something!
Don't you wish it was as easy as a pregnancy test, dip that stick and watch it turn whatever color it is these tests turn these days?
Even after you see him (or her), often you still have to wait some more for tests to be done or time to pass before the doc gets a full handle on what's going on and a confident diagnosis. It's a process.
I encourage you to do all the research you can while you're waiting. There's some good info on the Net and a lot of good books written at the patient level about RA.
I've seen RF ranges in various places on the internet, but I don't remember the numbers.
Getting informed gives you something to do while you wait
Welcome to the board!
High fawkes,
I believe that there is other things that can make your RF high. I think there is other things to go along with that test to confirm RA.
Mine RF was 56.4 but my crp and sed rate was high also. Some people don't even have a high RF and still have RA.
I also have hypo thyroid and high cholesterol but my meds control that you will just have to get blood test to have it check every so often.
Your Rheum Doctor will be able to tell you more when you see them. Until you can do research on the INTERNET.
This is a good place to come a lot of people here are new and have found good information from people that have RA for a long time.
Nothing better then coming straight from their experience.
RKGal,
LOL
It looks like RKgal was posting as I was writing. I guess we said about the same thing.
Keep hanging around here. 1NewBarb is right. These folks will keep you as sane as you're going to be for a while, while you get this next thing sorted out!
About the RF numbers, I want to say I've heard a few people talk about theirs being up in the hundreds.
I keep reminding myself that this is a one day at a time experience. That's true before you see the specialist and after you get a diagnosis, whatever the diagnosis is.
I was never a one day at a time kind of person. If it didn't entail leaps and bounds it wasn't for me. That's changing a lot!
The way you describe your joint pain pattern sounds like RA and that with the elevated RF prob. indicates RA but I guess you still have to wait and see what the doc says after you have your exam. You learn real quick with RA that it IS all about waiting. You wait for one thing....and when you get there...you wait for the next thing. It doesnt really go away...sorry but that is just the truth. I do hope you get an answer and a solution soon though. Keep us posted!
Wow, Crunchy, you really described RA...it's a waiting game. I have been frustrated because I was diagnosed almost a year ago and haven't found the right meds yet. We try this....and wait. Nope, didn't work, so let's try that...and wait. Can't get in to see the doc...so wait. Yikes.
As far as RF level...mine is 312. The blood tests the rheumatologist will do will be more specific and give you results. Waiting for that first appointment is the hardest, I think, because you read so much and just scare the hell out of yourself. Hang in there!
Thanks crunchy and scout...I can play the waiting game...I appreciate the straight forward stuff from you guys, I don't like things sugar coated because it melts away to the hard stuff sooner or later...right?It is a waiting game alright. in 5 years my RA Factor went from 149 to 259. My old Rheumatologist had to retire about 2 months ago just as I was due my remicade infusion and I had to wait a little over a month before I could get in to see the one I transferred to. then had to wait a couple more weeks before I finally got my Remicade treatment. Don't know what my Rf is now but I do know he did an Anti CCP test and it was high. I guess I'll find out how high tomorrow when I go in.
Has anyone here had a postive TB skin test, negative chest x-rays but put on an antibacterial that is used for TB and Latent TB? This has happened to me. At times I do have lots of problem with shortness of breath. I figured you either had it or you don't but apparently you can have the germ from being exposed to someone, not be contagious but if the germ is not treated if your body gets low the germ can be activated into full blown TB. You know it seems like having RA is enough without everything else thrown in.
I also have Fibro, Sornjons(sp), OA, DA, DJD, and a few other non arthritic issues thrown in.