Diagnosis

[Nomoney2018]

Hi. Just wondered how many people tested positive for RF but clear on all other tests. We're you diagnosed with RA. I'm waiting on rheumatology appointment. Dr took some bloods my full blood count and CRP were normal but my RF was raised. I've had pain in feet over 1 year and pain in hands started about 1 month ago. Just interested in other people's experience. Thank you 😁

[Hidden]

Sorry no money, I was positive on both RF and anti ccp: rheumatologist did both tests. GP referred on raised esr and swollen joints I think (hands, wrists, fingers, hip). I don’t think they diagnose on blood tests alone. I had ultra sound on hands too. Hope someone answers who knows more than me ☺️

[cheshcat]

The anti ccp is a better indicator for RA.

My rheumatologist told me that RA is a clinical diagnosis and the blood tests are only to help him make the diagnosis. He told me even if all my tests were negative he would have diagnosed me with RA that day because he could "see" it. I had verified low grade fevers too. My anti ccp was high and my ANA was high as well. The blood tests were done by an after hours doctor but the official diagnosis didn't happen until I saw my rheumatologist.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[Hidden]

Hi - I have Sjögren’s Syndrome. My rheumatolgist told me last week that more people with Sjögren’s present with positive rheumatoid factor than do those with RA. I was misdiagnosed with RA for five years as Sjögren’s can imitate it very well. My ANA is strongly positive but I don’t have the specific antibodies for any one rheumatic disease so my Sjögren’s was diagnosed by lip biopsy.

[Anniebl24]

That sounds like me! Very high RF and everything else normal. 4 years of appointments, scans, bloods etc and as yet no diagnosis. Good luck with your journey.

[Gnarli]

I was told over 20 years ago that I had the Rh factor in my blood but, apart from a few issues with my wrists over the years it was fine. Until 2016 when it all went pear-shaped. My diagnosis was eventually quite quick. High rh, high crp, high practically everything, swollen joints, low grade fever. Classic RA. I sincerely hope you aren't found to have it but if you do we are here for you

J

[Hidden]

patient.info/doctor/rheumat...

This is good site, recommended by GP. Also ‘lab tests online’ gives you low down on any blood test. Hope that’s helpful. I’m still learning and all so much info it’s nice to have a couple of reliable ‘go to’ sites x