CA125

[Knitnat]

Hi I am new here am 68 and have had a bad year with my stomach gastroenterologist diagnosed IBS am on low Fodmap. Also under rheumatologist who has diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis been put on Methotrexate I have also an under active Thyroid which I take 100 levothyroxine. I recently had bloods done and the doctor tested CA125 which was 44 I now have to see a gynocologist I am so worried I have been going back and forwards to hospital for the last year can't sleep and appointment isn't for another 3 weeks

[Solange]

I'm so sorry you have yet another health problem to worry about. Try not to think too much about having to see the Gynocologist (easier said than done, I know) It could be that you'll find all is ok, although you're ca125 is slightly higher than normal (35 and below is classed as normal). It could be that you have had a small infection in your body, i.e. in a tooth perhaps, and that could have caused the rise. Try and keep busy, see or phone friends, tidy some drawers or cupboards, watch more TV, anything to keep your mind on things other than this latest worry.

Good luck with this next appointment. Sending love & a hug, Solange 😊💐

[Lyndy]

Hello Knitnat... I know you must be worried but I thought my experience might help. I have had Rheumatoid disease for 10+ years and 4 years ago had OC. I am currently in remission from cancer but my ‘normal’ ca125 is more than 200! This is because my RA causes inflammation which shows up in my bt. So your reading of 44 might well be your RA. However it is important for the medics to test you in case of cancer... much better to have an early diagnosis if it was OC.

I know it’s very stressful being tested for anything... sending you a hug xx

[Knitnat in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you so much your own experiences have helped me do you take Methotrexate for your RA as I know they watch my bloods carefully for any problems but after loads of tests MRI scans etc I think I am so overwhelmed with it all

[Lyndy in reply to Knitnat]

I am supposed to but it makes me feel so sick 🤢

I certainly recognise ‘test fatigue’ but it won’t last forever. xx

[Knitnat in reply to Lyndy]

Do you think it helps coz I am feeling sick not sure if it was stress or the methotrexate as only been on it since beginning of December

[Cropcrop]

Welcome to our lovely gang Knitnat, we’re a lovely bunch and you’re truly welcome and if we can help you in anyway at all we will.

Your CA125 can be raised as a result of your rheumatoid arthritis. High tumour markets can be found in RA patients where tumours do not exist. The CA 125 can also rise if there are slight infections or inflammation present in the body plus certain meds can have an effect on it.

I think it’s brilliant that your doctor is being really thorough and hopefully you will be clear of anything sinister. I know it’s easy to say don’t worry but you’re obviously being well looked after and if anything is found then it could be early days and relatively easy to deal with.

Do let us know how you get on, big gentle hugs ❤️Xx Jane

[Knitnat in reply to Cropcrop]

Thank you so much for your help I seem to get overwhelmed with all that I have been through I know there are a lot of people much worse and I try to think logically but nights my head goes into overdrive xx❤️