anti cccp

[ks1966]

Hi everyone. Does an anti ccp level of 60 mean i have RA and is it best I start medication? The other Ana tests where nornal. My clinical test were ok. But I was developed bronchiectasis during the last 2 years. my lung physician things it due to RA. Many thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Ks1966 - do you presently have clinical symptoms of RA? With this disease it is important that the person is treated not their blood I'm told. I am sero-negative and I believe it is possible to have a positive anti-CCP without having a very aggressive form of RA - certainly this is true of sero negative people. So if your lung problems are due to RA then I would see what your rheumatologist suggests and follow their advice about which drugs would work best for you.

[ks1966 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your feedback :). A have some pain in my knees every now and then. Add that to my lung problems and that's about it.

[Hidden in reply to ks1966]

Well that doesn't sound too bad for RA really although the lung part I really can't comment on because my lungs have always been good. Your rheumatology consultant is the best person to advise and also to confirm lung involvement as being RA or not I would think.

Just from my own experience I have found regular doctors tend to blame anything and everything on my RA and the drugs where my rheumatlogist is more cautious. This RA and drug blaming can be a convenient let out for GPs and other doctors it seems - although it is also true that RA can be very insidious for some people.

Ask your rheumy first but I wouldn't take drugs for a couple of occasionally painful knees without confirmation that these problems are actually being caused by RA. Twitchy

[ks1966 in reply to Hidden]

[Hidden]

Hi ks1966

RA is not diagnosed on blood tests alone. Reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, and numeric test results can have different meanings in different labs.

As Twitchytoes said, RA is generally given by a clinical diagnosis taking many things into account. I have put some links below for you to look at about the diagnosis of RA and the blood tests done. I have also put a link to an article about the anti-ccp test from lab tests online:

nras.org.uk/making-a-diagno...

nras.org.uk/laboratory-test...

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

If RA is suspected by a GP then it is usual to be referred to a rheumatology consultant for further investigation and they then give the diagnosis. You do not say if you are seeing a rheumatology consultant already but if you do find out that you have RA and have any questions then you are welcome to contact the NRAS helpline. If you are in the UK then you can call our freephone number:

0800 298 7650 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm

or you can e-mail us at [e-mail]

Hope this helps

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[ks1966 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much for your feedback. I'm a uk national living abroad. I saw a rheumatologist and he decided not to put me on meds. But my worry is that my bronchiectasis has gotten a bit worse over the past year.

[Hidden in reply to ks1966]

Hi ks1966,

We are not medically trained on the helpline and so we would always suggest speaking to your rheumatology and/or other consultant about any deterioration in your condition. I don't know where abouts in the world you are and so can only make suggestions based on what the system is here in the UK. Hope you get things sorted.

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[nomoreheels]

It could be that wherever you are the Rheumatologist is following their health system's guidelines. I was diagnosed in Spain & treated for the first 5 years there & they treat somewhat differently to the UK.

Did the Rheumy prescribe any meds for you?

[ks1966 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hello. No he didn't. That's why I'm a bit concerned

[nomoreheels in reply to ks1966]

I'm sorry I can't help then. If you're concerned I'd see your GP & ask his opinion.