Blood tests

[Buckybri]

Sorry if I’m posting to much but I know little about RA , but I remember the doc saying that there is no tests for RA only good indicators is that right ? Also do yr bloods tell them how bad it is or if the meds are working or r the only indications that u will feel better

Thanks

[Hidden]

I’m no expert but il try and generalise things.

RA s-positive tend to show in bloods as well as being symptomatic.

RA s- negative (I am) don’t show up in bloods as much. In fact my rarely shows up in my bloods but I show all the symptoms. Everyone is different and a good doctor would not rely totally on blood results but take in account swelling , pain and mobility. Hope this helps it just a general breakdown.

[JFlay]

Here's some blood test info from NRAS

nras.org.uk/laboratory-test...

[helixhelix]

Diagnosing RA is a bit like being a detective. The blood tests can be strong clues, but none of them are 100% certain. Other clues are how you feel, whether your joints feel “boggy”, are they hot and swollen, which joints are affected and whether you have raised inflammation makers, and do you have a family history of RA.

Docs will probably need at least three clues to diagnose. Any single one alone is not enough..

[Buckybri in reply to helixhelix]

Yea I had very high inflammation markers but never had any family history. And of course my joints were carrying loads of fluid . I was asked if I had ever had chlamydia gif some strange reason .

[BoneyC]

Is he a doctor? I'd like a pound for every blood test I've had for RA over the last 49 years!

[stbernhard]

Hello I’m Buckybri, I think it very important to inform yourself and know as much as possible about RA. It's the best way to get control over RA and learn to manage daily life.

The NRAS website has all the information you'll need and their help desk are brilliant and helpful. All the best.