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Doctors Lounge - Rheumatology Answers
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Back to Rheumatology Answers List
| dsulyma
- Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:13 pm |
|
Hello, Im new here and looking for some advice from the experts.
I had some routine bloodwork done by my doctor and the thing that came back high was my RA factor. The range was 0-14...mine was 14. Doctor suggested that I should repeat it in a few months. Now its 17, even higher. I had the following test done:
ANA: Normal
ACA: Normal
Sjogrens: Normal
ESR: Normal
CBC & WBC: All normal
Cholesterol: All normal
Ive also had an EMG for muscle twitches: Normal
The only thing that came back abnormal was my CRP: Slightly high (was on birth control) at the time.
My grandmother had sever Rheumatoid Arthritis in her hands. Does my RA factor level mean that I will have it too?
I am currently being evaluated for MS. Doctors feel I don't have it but MRI said "suggestion of demyelination but not specific"
What do you think if causing my high RA factor? Im only on vitamins no medication at all.
I understand that I have to see a rheumatologist to be fully evaluated but I do appreciate any insight.
Thank you!
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| Tom Plamondon PA-C
- Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:35 pm |
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 Hello,
Thank you for writing in.
What prompted the lab workup? Are you having hand or foot pain? RA is classified as a multiple small joint arthritic condition.
Rheumatoid factor, depending on age, can be found in up to 5-10% of a healthy population.
Use of anti-CCP provides equal sensitivity and better specificity than RF.
RA diagnosis will depend on symptoms and anti-CCP results.
Let us know how things turn out.
Take care.
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