OA or RA

satchmo_shaz
satchmo_shaz Member Posts: 2
edited 14. May 2010, 13:06 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have osteoarthritis of the knee for a while but recently it has become worse, affecting my feet and other knee and hand, wrist elbow and thumb. I have had blood tests and my RA marker was up from 6 last year to 9, does that mean I have RA?
I have to go back and see my GP and am referred to hospital
I have been prescribed diclofenic

any info welcome!

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,884
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Satchmo!!!!

    I LOVE the name :D

    welcome to the forums from me.

    Not a bloods expert me, but I think that is a bit high (is 7 normal guys???) but not very.

    Either way rheumatologists should diagnose on symptoms and clinical presentation NOT just on bloods so I am very pleased you will be seeing one.

    Will leave the cleverer people to explain thsi better than me :wink:

    Very good to meet you and i hope to see you here and there on teh forums.

    Take care

    Toni xx
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Satchmo,

    A welcome from me as well :D They are a good lot here and someone will know the answer better than me. I don't think its that simple actually.......Bloods point them in a direction but symptoms etc tell them what it is. Its good your having a referral and hopefully they will not keep you waiting too long. Good luck and let us know how you get on please.

    Oh been on diclo's a long time and for me they work very well but they are bit hard on your digestive track s if you haven't got them ask for some protectors and also the slow release once a day tend to work better. Nice to meet you and more good luck. Cris x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have learned from reading other posts on here that it is possible to have RA but it doesn't show in bloods results. I have PA (closely related to RA) and have been used to inflammation markers in the 150s and above. Different people place different stresses on bloods, different hospitals have differing views on what constitutes a positive indication - welcome to the wonderful game show called 'Is You Is or Is You Ain't Arthritis?'. Other people with more knowledge will be along soon, I'm sure. Keep us informed! Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben