Awaiting diagnosis

[Larryrufus]

A bit of a long one, sorry!

Two weeks ago had swelling in both hands, immense pain and could barely move joints. Saw Gp who ordered full blood tests.

Had a phone consultation with GP 24 hours later and she stated that a certain protein in my blood was very raised and she believes that I have RA.

I am now awaiting a specialist appointment although I have been warned that it will be mid to late January at earliest.

Since then, I have had on and off pain and swelling in my hands, knees and painful back.

Auto immune disease has run through my family with at least 3 family members that I know of having different conditions however none that I know have specifically have RA.

I was just wondering if anyone on here would have any idea more about the blood test that I have had taken and the proteins that have shown up as raised? I realise I have not given a lot of information and I apologise that it is all I have.

I had a cold at the time of the blood test could this possibly have caused this response or would it be something specifically linked to RA?

I have tried to get another phone appointment with the dr but can not for another week or two.

Would symptoms also come on so bad and so quickly?

Thank you to anyone who could possibly help.

[Larryrufus]

Yes I am in UK. Dr has referred me to rheumatologist after blood tests came back and she seemed pretty convinced that it is RA. I’m just trying to decipher weather these tests are pretty certain for it or if it could be anything else if I am otherwise perfectly healthy apart from a cold 😆

[Simba1992 in reply to Larryrufus]

You need to ask for your results. It's your right and you should really hold on to it. This is a way for you to follow up your situation and ask and understand the results. Ask your consultant to explain, this is why he/she is there. Take care and good luck, never forget that it's your body and you need to know what is happening. Simba

[Larryrufus in reply to Simba1992]

Yes when I can call the doctors on Monday I will be asking for a copy of results I just didn’t think whilst on the phone to the dr as I was a bit confused as to what she was saying and now it is the weekend and I have so many questions I wish I had asked 😩 .

[Simba1992 in reply to Larryrufus]

I know, this is so often the case, you get a bit overwhelmed and this is where help really is needed from the professinals, but seldom unfortunately voluntarily offered But no panick, just ask for copies and then write down all you want to ask Good luck.😊Simba

[Kai-- in reply to Larryrufus]

.

Warm holiday 🔥 🎄 greetings, Larryrufus. 🙏 ☺️

If you'd like to become acquainted with (or fully immerse in) blood work 💉 & autoimmune diagnostics, this may be of interest: . . . 'Serology (RF, ACPA, Anti-CCP, ANAs, ANCA) . . . 'Rheumatology Toolbox': healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

.

.

Aside:

There's another young 'Rufus' amongst us (the grandson of an NRAS-er) andyswarbs who may have an early Christmas present 🎁 ready for you to open at any time:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=TxGWZ...(Not working as expected?)

.

.

If ever you're interested in more of Andy's (& other NRASers) experiences, kindly consider:

• From Wheelchair to Bikram Yoga (in 10 Months): healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

• Our Beloved AndySwarbs, a Hero's Journey: healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

.

Wishing you & your loved ones the very best holiday, Larryrufus, with renewed hope for a happy, healthy future for all autoimmuners. 🙏 🍀 🌺 🌞

. . . 🍹🍹 >clink< . . .

.

🎄 🔖 🎁 🎅 ❄️ ☃️ 🌨

.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Larry, sorry you've needed to land here. Well, your symptoms could be RD but as you say you have other autoimmune conditions within your family nothing's for certain until you're seen by a Rheumatologist & he performs his full joint examination, orders his own bloods, urine, imaging etc. From those he'll make his diagnosis & talk you through the treatment he thinks is most appropriate for you.

The tests you had will have likely been ESR/CRP (inflammation), RF (Rheumatoid Factor) & anti-CCP (Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide), there may have been others but without knowing just what it's impossible to say. The anti-CCP will be the protein test you're asking about. They are a type of autoantibody, an antibody produced by the immune system that targets what our tissues are made of. They target a type of protein that is called a citrullinated protein that can be found in joints & are present in around 70% of people diagnosed with RD. Those who test seronegative for anti-CCP are diagnosed seronegative whilst those who test positive for anti-CCP are seropositive. I'm seropositive, diagnosed 9 years ago.

A cold might have raised some levels but the symptoms you have aren't from a cold are they? I'm sorry if you're hanging onto hope but I'd be prepared that you may have RD or another autoimmune disease.

I'm not sure another appointment with your GP would be helpful before the test results are back, unless you think him prescribing an anti inflammatory (NSAID) or pain relief would be helpful? That said as you say it could be another week or two before you could get an appointment your GP may call you before then with the results so hang on in there.

Hope at least some of this helps. If you need any more info you could try looking on the NRAS website nras.org.uk or Arthritis Research UK arthritisresearchuk.org. We'll be happy to try & answer any questions that arise from checking out those. All the best for your diagnostic appointment.

[Hidden]

So sorry you are having pain. Stiff and swollen hands and fingers are often the first sign of RA. That is what led me to my diagnosis. Once you get your lab work, you can Google each test to learn all about them. You can also Google "lab test for RA" and read up on those test ahead of time. In either case, best of luck to you.

[Larryrufus]

I have spoken to my doctor who has given me the results of CRP 19mg and ESP 40mg.

I understand you are not all doctors here but can anyone shed some light on weather these results are really high or around normal?

Thanks for all your help so far 😊