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RT (rheumatoid factor) of >450? IgM 2.8? calprotectin 90?

WK1010 profile image
6 Replies

Hello everyone. I'm a 19 year old male. Not too long ago my blood test showed RF latex test > 450, which I have read indicates advanced disease. I've read a bit about rheumatoid arthritis and diseases associated with rheumatoid factor, but none, I think, match how I'm feeling. I don't think I have RA, as I don't really complain of joint pain. IgM was also 2.8, slightly elevated. What's going on? What disease could cause this? Celiac disease blood tests were negative and the doctor think celiac is unlikely. I was referred to a gastrologist and now have to wait months for the appointment while suffering from:

- Fatigue

- Daytime sleepiness

- Memory issues

- Concentration issues

- Never feeling awake, can't think straight (brain fog)

- General muscle aches and weakness

- Excessive flatulence (near constant!)

- Changes in bowel movement (bowel movement every other three days, or once each day but incomplete, much straining. Stools are very fatty / shiny and hard to flush)

- Moderate numbness and tingling in hands and feet that I feel all the time.

- Difficulty swallowing (mucus stuck in throat, food getting stuck in throat, need water to flush down. I do have acid reflux, but am being treated with pantoprazol.

- Loss of appetite. I only eat because I know I have to. I eat quite alot, but don't really feel like eating.

Main bothersome symptomes are: Fatigue, daytime sleepiness and flatulence, because I've had them for 6 years and more, and these symptoms are getting worse each year.

If anyone has any input, or can relate, please feel free to respond :)

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WK1010
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6 Replies
MeTass profile image
MeTass

It could be your thyroid. Get tests for TSH, T3 T4 Free T3 and T4 and Thyroid antibodies. These tests will look for hypothyroid/Hashimotos thyroiditis and hyperthyroid. Good luck!

WK1010 profile image
WK1010 in reply to MeTass

Thank you for your response. I have a family history of thyroid diseases, but have had blood tests at least 5 times to rule it out. TSH, free T3 and free T4, and anti-TPO have all been measured. The results are within good range. What's the difference between free T4 and free T3 and T4 and T3?? Are T3 and T4 important to measure too?

tselph profile image
tselph

Have you been tested for Sjogrens disease? Fatigue, extreme dryness & possibly some of your other symptoms could be from that. Are you on methotrexate? It causes brain fog & has side affects to it also that can cause gastrointestinal problems. Look at your Meds side affects. Just some thoughts.

WK1010 profile image
WK1010 in reply to tselph

No, I haven't been tested for it. You are the second one to suggest it on this health forum. I don't have dry eyes and dry mouth and I'm quite young, so I don't know if that might lessen the possibility. No, I'm not on methotrexate (don't know what that is).

Auntneesy profile image
Auntneesy

Oh my. Sounds like gut issues. I have ra and some of the issues u mention but not all. Plus I have the joint pain. I'd like to make a suggestion. Have u heard of Dr. Christine Kaczmarek? She's a gut Dr that is helping many with issues just as u note. Maybe she can help you.

WK1010 profile image
WK1010 in reply to Auntneesy

I don't live in the US, but thanks anyway.

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