New to RA

[Marisita101673]

Hi, I am just curious to see if anyone out there can give me some advice on RA. My gp recently ran certain lab work on me due to complaints of painful joints, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, etc. And those tests came back abnormal except for the RA factor. But I've heard in beginning RA factor can be normal but you could still have RA. My gp seems to think I do and I am seeing a rheumatologist next month. I guess I want to get some helpful insight on what I should ask the dr and what other symptoms to be looking for...

[helixhelix]

The rheumatoid factor test doesn't give much more than an indication - many people test positive but don't have RA. And you can test negative and still have RA. If your doctor did another test called anti-CCP that is more specific.

You should write down all the symptoms you have even if you think they aren't relevant,, and take photos if you have swollen joints as chances are they will vanish the day of your rheumatologist appointment.

[Marisita101673 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you, that's a good idea to write everything dow !

[oldtimer]

If you put 'first appointment' in the search box here, you will find lots of posts about the experience and lots of helpful suggestions!

[Beverley-NRAS]

Hi Marista,

you might find this article on our website useful:

nras.org.uk/the-patient-jou...

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Marisita101673 in reply to Beverley-NRAS]

Thank you!

[Doughnut61]

My RA did not show in Gp blood tests! But showed very aggressive RA in anti ccp tests xx