rheumatoid factor

noelynn
noelynn Member Posts: 8
edited 20. Oct 2011, 06:41 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi

Im new here and wondered if somone could help me. I have been referred to rheumatology due to ongoing widespread pain for some time now. My GP says the rheumatoid factor in my blood tests are 10 times the norm. Can anybody shed some light as to what this means.

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there :smile:

    Welcome to the forum. I have OA so cannot comment but I know others will be along soon to explain about the rheumatoid factor in blood tests. It is good that you now have a referral to a rheumy.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, it's nice to meet you. Now, I am not a doc or a rheumatologist but that would indicate to me that you are a strong candidate for Rheumatoid Arthritis. If your bloods are showing a positive RF, and at possibly quite a high number, then I hope you get to see a rheumatologist sooner rather than later. It may be sensible to start keeping a diary of your symptoms, what hurts and when, what helps or hinders, tiredness levels, any mobility issues etc so that when you do see the consultant he will be able to have as detailed a picture of you as possible. I wish you well and please let us know how you get on. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • noelynn
    noelynn Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks for the replies. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 7 years ago. It now looks like this was a misdiagnosis. My appt is 21st Nov and the GP thinks I will be prescribed Methotraxate. Bit worried about the side effects but my GP stopped all medication except ibuprofen so I will be happy when my appt comes round.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know the side effects of meth are not a pleasant read but they are not guaranteed. I have been on injected meth for some while now and can only report a touch of tiredness occasionally the day after the jab. There may be a period of adjustment as your body becomes used to it but if you can stick with it, and if it works, it can be a very effective drug. The usual drill is to start with a smaller dose and gradually build, folic acid should also be taken a couple of days after the meth. Ask us any questions you like - no question too small or too silly, I can promise you that. AC also produces leaflets about the meds etc, obviously they are a reliable source of information. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,nice to meet you but sorry you had to find us,not a bad lot on here,always someone to listern to moans and groans which we all do from time to time.best wishes for your appoitment hope it goes well.Mig
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Try not to worry too much about methotrexate. I've been on it for about 10 years with only the odd day of tiredness to show on the minus side and a lot less pain & stiffness on the plus.

    You'll be closely monitored and, although these things can seem scarey, remember they have to list all potential side-effects. It doesn't mean you're likely to get them.

    I hope all goes well for you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,827
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Noelynn

    just a quick post to welcome you to the forums from me.

    Often bloods are negative and years later can still become positive. so maybe the initial diagnosis was justified at the time :???:

    Lots of folks on here are on MTX so you will get lots of support when you start to take it.

    love Toni xx
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi..

    Welcome to the forum,
    I see you have recieved some great advice already..
    Feel free to ask any questions..
    Look forward to seeing you around
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • BikerAngel
    BikerAngel Member Posts: 122
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I have RA but no rheumatoid factor in my bloods but all the symptoms and they decided it was defo RA I had. I am on 20mg (8tablets) methotrexate a week and have no side effects apart from being tired but having a mental flare at mo so that makes me tired. I do find however if I take my tablets on a Monday morning I am fine but forget and take them at night I spend the next day feeling so sick and have done that few times so figured it out and always stick to morning now and if I forget a Monday I wait till Tues to take them. I have blood tests every month now (used to be fortnightly) and have been fine on it. I didn't start off on that though I started off on sulphasalazine but body got used to it so put on MXT and then prob going to end up on anti TNF at nxt app on 26th.

    Good luck and hope you get sorted out soon x
    Tracey

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