Recently diagnoised, had a few hospital appointments but can't seem to get an easy answer to my blood results.

[Ellinghamgroup]

I have a count of 382 and have been told that I am rheumatoid positive and it is agressive I am being treated with Methotrexate. Can anyone explain what the 382 means I would really appreciated it.

Thank you.

Christine.

[helixhelix]

Sorry you've joined our club. Do you know which test had the count of 382? If it was the Rheumatoid Factor, then you're a strong positive so very likely that it is rheumatoid arthritis. Anything over about 20 is significant. If it's one of the other tests, such as ESR, then suggests that there's quite a lot of inflammation in your body. There's a website called labtestsonline.org.uk that is quite useful in understanding the different tests. Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most common drugs used, and for most of us it works brilliantly and gives us our life back. It takes quite a while to work, but hopefully you'll soon start feeling brighter. Polly

[Ellinghamgroup in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you Polly, I will look at the other website, I have another hospitlal appointment in April. I believe the count is the Rheumatoid factor but I will ask. Had to come off MTX for a few weeks as my blood count went dangerously low, just started it again at lower dose. So lets hope.

Thanks

Christine

[nottsexsportfanatic in reply to Ellinghamgroup]

Once on mtx my hospital gave me a little prple book where they recorded all blood results (I was not issued mtx prescription without it) maybe u could ask for one. That way ud have beter understanding of what tests have and havnt been done.

If hospital dont issue that book in ur location then see booklets from nras. When I joined I was sent a book where I can record hospital visits and test results. It was useful at recent visit as it showed the fluctuations in my esr easier and aided the decision to add new meds.

Hope that will help.

[Ellinghamgroup in reply to nottsexsportfanatic]

Thank you, I will ask on my next appointment. appreciate your help.

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi Ellinghamgroup

Different laboratories use different 'reference ranges' for their blood tests - meaning that what is a 'normal' result can differ so it's always worth asking what your specific result signifies. We have an article about the blood tests commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of RA which you might find helpful: nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

I hope you are getting on better with the methotrexate (MTX) at a lower dose. It can take some time to work (usually between 3-12 weeks) but lots of people get on very well with it and are able to get their RA under good control. We also have an article all about the use of MTX in RA: nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

The other thing that might be helpful to you at this time is our 'Newly Diagnosed' booklet which has some good general information about RA and the common treatments: nras.org.uk/help_for_you/pu...

Please don't hesitate to contact us here on the NRAS helpline if you have any questions: 0800 298 7650 (Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm)

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS