Does having a blood RA of 24 mean I have rheumatoid arthritis?

[Bobbobby]

I’m 40 years old with an under active thyroid on tirosint. Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis of the lumber spine and no one can figure out why. Possibly due to steroid for a back injury. I’ve been having all kinds of physical problems, rashes, joint pain, fatigue and worst of all breathing issues. I’ve been to pulmonologists and they cant find anything. Same with pulmonologist and ent and gastrointestinal doctors. Im terrified at the prospect of more problems

[AgedCrone]

Have you had any blood tests to see if you might have a Rheumatic Disease?If not I should ask your doctor if those tests can be done…having osteoporosis is different from RA

[Bobbobby in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi what kind of tests. My ra is 24. The other tests are negative that I know off

[Scottishlad]

Elevated Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is an indication that you may have Rheumatoid Disease (RD). However it is possible to have high RF and not have RD or as in my case have RD without a raised RF.

Rheumatoid disease is diagnosed by considering a number of blood tests and by physical examination of joints. A definitive diagnosis is usually only made by a rheumatologist.

[Bobbobby in reply to Scottishlad]

Thanks for replying. I’m going back to meet with the doctor soon. My fingers and toes hurt a lot which doesn’t sound good. And I get some shoulder and back pains also. Your saying he needs to do more blood work? My past blood work for other stuff was ok except low vitamin d and slightly elevated creatine and bun to creatine ratios. They were fine this time

[MorganCat]

Have they ruled out the medication that you are on ? I had a delayed reaction to medication a few months back . Which resulted in a rash ?

[Kags1068]

Hi Aporiac

As others have said, welcome to the group, but sorry you've hadto join!

You've had lots of excellent advice from other respondents, so I won't try to add to that!

I wanted to say, I'm also in Warwickshire (North of the county), and have been lurking in the corridors of rheumatology departments for 38 years now (since I was 14). Obviously, nothing is perfect all the time, but generally speaking the care I have received from rheumatology has been excellent. I have also been very lucky in that in all that time I have only ever had 3 rheumatologists - the most recent inherited me about 10 months ago. This has meant very good continuity of care for me which I think is vital.

I hope you find the same and are happy with your care too. As was pointed out earlier though, you do have to be politely pro-active and keep on top of things - no one is perfect and unfortunately, things can get missed. Also, the wheels of rheumatology can move very slowly and there are often slight waits for tests before you may start particular drugs, and things like scans and x-rays etc. Once started, you generally have to wait a good 3 months to see how well a treatment works. So, a certain amount of patience is required.

Good luck and I hope you find a treatment that works for you very soon x