High Rhumatoid Factor

[thetoyaddix]

Hello i'm new,

I just wondering if having a high Rhumatoid factor as well as it still climbing is anything to worry about? I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 3 years ago my rhumatologist ruled out rhumatoid artheritis as he didnt see any evidence but my pain is constant. My factor is 161.

[Hidden]

Hi there and welcome

Sorry to hear that you’re a wee bit worried, RA is difficult to diagnose. There are 4 factors that are important in a blood test for RA. These are ESR, CRP, RF and anti CCP. I was positive in all 4, I was told by my rheumy that being positive was the problem, not the size of the numbers.

So, back to you. Sounds like RF is positive. Do you not have any measures of ESR or CRP?

Also, what meds did your Rheumy put you on? Not familiar with Fibromyalgia, soz

I’m sure that someone familiar with Fibro will come along and lend a helping hand, meanwhile, chin up and hugs to you cheers Deb

[thetoyaddix in reply to Hidden]

Thank you........my CRP was in the normal range? I take amatriptyline ,naproxen, ,Gabapentin, vit D3, co codamol,

[Scrappie54 in reply to thetoyaddix]

Know how you are feeling dealing with pain all the time with no answers. It took me 6 years to get the right diagnosis to have relief. Sit down and make a journal of how you are feeling and the pain, what you are doing and when. How long does it take to start moving more with a little relief.? Be Careful with Gabapentin, I became confused to the point family members and Dr thought I had a stroke. Hope this helps you

[thetoyaddix in reply to Scrappie54]

Thank you, were you diagnosed with rhumatoid arthititus? or was it a different?

[Scrappie54 in reply to thetoyaddix]

Yes, I was diagnosed with RA finally. Plus 4 others which are a bit abnormal, but the test does not lie. This is why I keep a journal to help the specialists to form a better understand what is going on.

[oldtimer]

The Rheumatoid Factor in itself isn't much help for your diagnosis as it can be positive in people who have not developed RD. Other tests would be more useful - if your inflammatory markers, for example, are also increased, then your diagnosis should be revisited.

[thetoyaddix in reply to oldtimer]

Hi and thankyou, naproxen is keeping my inflamation down at the minute.