Re: Help! Need some quick answers!

[Guest guest]

Hi, Jeanne. Good luck at your appointment today.

As unsatisfying as this answer will probably be to you, there is no test

or group of tests that can rule in RA or exclude it. Yes, there is a

rheumatoid factor (RF) test, but, even if it is positive, it does not

necessarily mean that you have RA. If the results are negative, it does

not mean that you do not have RA. The cutoff for normal depends on the

lab your physician uses, so I can't give you absolute numbers. Those

ranges should be available on the printout of your lab results. Ask for

a copy.

The diagnosis is based on your medical history, the thorough exam your

physician performs, his/her experience, and the labs. Sometimes the labs

are only a very small part of the process leading to the diagnosis.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes the labs can provide valuable clues.

Were any x-rays of your hands or feet taken? Those, too, can reveal

important information.

Just try not to be disappointed if your PCP is not sure about the

diagnosis. No matter what happens today, it would be a good idea to see

a rheumatologist for a second opinion.

Again, good luck! Let us know what happens.

[ ] Help! Need some quick answers!

> Hi Everyone!

> Today I see my PCP to review my blood work taken last week. Here's

> where my questions come in... What should I be looking for her to

> tell me? Isn't there an RA test factor in the blood? What is

> a " normal " number...what is considered high? I'd like to come armed

> with info. Any other tests that have big indicators?

>

> Thanks so much!

> Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Thanks ! Yes, today is just the start. I am scheduled to see a

Rhuematologist on June 10th. I appreciate your help and explanations

of the labs.

Smiles,

Jeanne

> Hi, Jeanne. Good luck at your appointment today.

>

> As unsatisfying as this answer will probably be to you, there is no

test

> or group of tests that can rule in RA or exclude it. Yes, there is a

> rheumatoid factor (RF) test, but, even if it is positive, it does

not

> necessarily mean that you have RA. If the results are negative, it

does

> not mean that you do not have RA. The cutoff for normal depends on

the

> lab your physician uses, so I can't give you absolute numbers. Those

> ranges should be available on the printout of your lab results. Ask

for

> a copy.

>

> The diagnosis is based on your medical history, the thorough exam

your

> physician performs, his/her experience, and the labs. Sometimes the

labs

> are only a very small part of the process leading to the diagnosis.

> Don't get me wrong, sometimes the labs can provide valuable clues.

>

> Were any x-rays of your hands or feet taken? Those, too, can reveal

> important information.

>

> Just try not to be disappointed if your PCP is not sure about the

> diagnosis. No matter what happens today, it would be a good idea to

see

> a rheumatologist for a second opinion.

>

> Again, good luck! Let us know what happens.

>

>

>

>

> [ ] Help! Need some quick answers!

>

>

> > Hi Everyone!

> > Today I see my PCP to review my blood work taken last week. Here's

> > where my questions come in... What should I be looking for her to

> > tell me? Isn't there an RA test factor in the blood? What is

> > a " normal " number...what is considered high? I'd like to come

armed

> > with info. Any other tests that have big indicators?

> >

> > Thanks so much!

> > Jeanne