I am freaking out here. I just got diagnosed with RA with a Rheumatoid Factor of 90. It looks like I am in big trouble. Is 90 high? Is it possible I can lower the RF levels?
I see my RA in May....I cant believe they make me wait that long....
please help me, I am scared and don't know what to do...
90? please tell me Im not in trouble
I can't remember what my RAfactor was. My doctor said that it was one of the highest he had seen. I used to think i was in trouble. Now, i just have RA. I started to chuckle when you asked about lowering your RA factor. It reminded me of a story about a herd of cattle that were being herded to an open pit. One of the cows said to another cow, "where are we going?" The other says, "we are going to that pit up ahead to be buried." The other says, "why's that?" "cause we have hoof in mouth" The cow thinks about it and says, "is there any way we can get out of this mess?" and the other says "sure there is, wipe that foam from around your mouth." This probably isn't much comfort but there are alot of other things worse than RA. Relax, i'm making it.
LEV
zeek, don't fret too much!!! That test is just something they use to attempt to judge how progressive the disease is - but it's not always accurate. Some people don't ever show signs. Like me.....my blood work always comes back good, but I have swelling and joint damage etc etc. Not to freak you out lol don't take it the wrong way!! I'm just saying, a test like that is NOT the final word. See what your doc says, and for now just try to take it easy on yourself! And welcome!!don't get freaked out about the rheumatoid facotr. Its an indicator not a specific test of disease activity.
Take a deep breath..things will be ok. In the meantime starting with some of the medical sites such as Johns Hopkins and Mayo start reading up on things. The better informed you are the easier the appointment will go. Also call every week to see if there is a cancellation, maybe you can get in faster
Zeekman, being newly diagnosed is very scary, but everyone is different with the disease. What happens with me may not be the case with you or with someone else. My RF was 312 when I was diagnosed last year, so 90 isn't looking too bad to me! : )
Hang in there and keep posting.
My initial RF was 150 and I asked the same question a few months ago myself. Somebody said theirs was initially 479. Hang in there, and don't expect anyone to ever retest it. I have gathered that once you test high, you don't need to be retested again, one time is enough for the diagnosis. thank you so much for the response!!! you are all so helpfull!!!!Hi zeekman nice to meet you. While you are waiting to see the rheumy - you may want to read up on RA and RA meds - write down any and all questions you want to ask maybe even keep a daily journal of how you feel - what hurts - whats swollen - the weather - different things you did that day, etc. Ask questions here - there is a lot of info on the site. Stay calm and keep us posted. Hugs and good vibes.
Zeekman,
My RF was 303 when I was diagnosed and by the time I started AP (antibiotic protocol) I was 706. I dropped back to 353 in 3-4 months on AP. My goal is to hit remission and get back to 0. On AP your disease becomes 'unstable' as your body fights the infection. I am back up to 414 RF as of a week ago, but feel absolutely fantastic. I think my RF spike is bcause I'm sick now (pneumonia) and will drop back down when I have this illness under control.
On a good note - my AP doc (one of the top dogs in AP in the US) said my high RF numbers were a good sign. He said that meant my body was still putting up a hell of a fight and I was producing anti-gens (???) to the disease. I personally think this is one of the reasons AP worked so well for me so quickly with almost no herxing or pain on my road back to wellness.
Use the time between now and your appointment to learn more about this disease and the things you can do to tame this monster. (Diet, supplements, etc.). You might check out www.roadback.org for the people that use antibiotics to treat RA.
Pip
Hello Zeekman..
I was entirely terrified after being diagnosed also. It's very understandable... The nice folks here have given very good advice!
Welcome, and keep posting..
They did test my blood and came back with RA and nothing else. Do these blood tests cover other diseases like chrons and sjogrens?
People who do not really have RA can can have a positive RF factors.
I'm somebody who usually has perfect blood work - yet I have had RA for 33 years with plenty of damage.
There is something way more accurate than your test numbers...How are you feeling? How long does your morning stiffness last? Are you just achey or are you in constant pain? Any one joint really painful?
Something to keep in mind - giving a set of symptoms a name does not make you sick or a cripple. It helps get the symptoms treated so you can feel better.
Welcome!!!
zeekman, I'm a newbie also and my RF was 250 and went to 252 and I'm not sure what it is right now. But, on certain days I feel like I did before I was on Prednisone or MTX. I was in law enforcement for 17 years, and just retired early on a retirement disability from the federal govt (not SS disability). I have applied for SS disability and I'm only in the initial stages. At this point I can't work anyplace because I can't guarentee to anyone that I would make it to work everyday, which I haven't gone to work everyday in the past year, and when I showed up I just sit there and moved in slow motion. Everyone's condition is different and I think it depends on what meds you're on, how you eat, excersise, all kinds of factors. I don't excersise much as it is too painful most times. Just stick in their and take your meds and do what makes you feel better. I just look at the fact in my case, things could be a lot worse. but hang in there.
"Something to keep in mind - giving a set of symptoms a name does not make you sick or a cripple. It helps get the symptoms treated so you can feel better"
Wow. This changed the way I think. Thank you so much!
Arizona, hope you feel better!