High Rheumatoid Factor

[Sumdy]

Hi everyone

I've just joined. I had blood tests done beginning of last month due to having sore joints and generally not feeling well. My rheumatoid factor came back as 650iu/ml which my GP and said was one of highest she'd ever seen. I take diclofenac 50 three times a day and Zapain. I have an appointment with the rheumatology clinic on 29th of May. I've read that the higher the RF the worse the prognosis. I suppose I'm writing as I'm worried about the future.....

[helixhelix]

Not necessarily! Please don’t worry as for people’s stories on here it is really clear that what is written in books are sweeping generalisations and the reality is much more finely grained. In this case A does not always follow B... People who are sero-negative (ie no factors showing in their blood at all) can have a dreadfully aggressive disease, and those who are positive can have a disease that is easily controlled and causes no damage.

Also, a lot of these articles were written (and rewritten, and rewritten) before all the new drugs came along which have totally changed everything. Any research about this that is older than 3- 5 years won’t be able to factor in the difference as the drugs only started being used in 2000, and it’s only in the last couple of years that they have become widely used.

[Sumdy in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you.

[mccaffs2014]

My blood test also showed a really high rheumatoid factor and my GP arranged an emergency appointment with the rheumatologist. That was five years ago and I am doing well so try not to worry.

[Sumdy in reply to mccaffs2014]

Thank you

[Mmrr]

I am negative for rheumatoid factor, yet have RA, the blood results are indicators to assist the rheumatologist with diagnosis, so try not to worry to much until you are seen.

[Sumdy]

Again thank you. I already have osteoarthritis and my mum had both osteo and rheumatoid and the latter years of her life were hell for her. I know things have changed and there are lots of things they can do to help nowadays and I'm determined to stay positive. Wishing everyone well

[glasgowwarriors]

I had a seronegative result but GP still unsure so I continue in pain awaiting consultant appointment ……...80 days in Scotland . Cant take anti inflammatory medication because of anti coagulation regimen so am in supreme discomfort . At the end of my tether !!!

[Sumdy in reply to glasgowwarriors]

Poor soul! I'm only waiting a couple of months between seeing GP and rheumatology appointment. GP asked for emergency appointment and I'm in Scotland. I know I'm lucky. I wish you best if luck

[VeronicaF]

I am always pos for RA blood test and its always high but my inflammation is always low on blood tests but it can be clearly seen in my joints now, not at first

and I have two anti bodies for lupus although I haven#t got lupus, its all very confusing RA even in how it behaves

you can not be able to walk even up stairs, to skipping round another time

but the damage it does every time you have a attack is not confuising, you can see the damage it leaves behind after the flare

I suppose if you had to describe it, it would be a storm and the damage it leaves behind everytime, and of course you don't know what its doing inside your body too.

so early treatment is very important

please excuse spelling

[Sumdy]

Thank you for that. I have learned that early diagnoses and treatment is very important for a good long term outcome. Hopefully they'll have got mine quickly enough. I think you've explained things very well