Rheumatoid factor

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

You can call me a R. Ive been having some pain and stiffness in my

left hand for about 3 months. I have had nodules by my middle finger

of both hands and periods where i couldnt hardly move them(luckily not

at the same time). I have had pain in my feet and knees. I went to the

GP doc and they took and x-ray and blood. and then on the 20th i went

back in and the doc said that the blood test was positive for RA. I

have an appointment with rheumatologist on the 13th. I take 2 aleve

every 12 hours and have started the msm(never know). i skipped a dose

of the aleve the other night(got home late) and boy did i feel it in

the morning. it felt like every major joint in my body hurt. and it is

wierd, its like one or two vertebrae will ache too. But RA doesnt

usually effect the back does it? am i feeling all these pains because

of the diagnosis? is some of in my head? is it stress induced??? I am

hopoing that we have caught it ealy enough to keep it under control.

you all seem to know all the meds that are avialable. I have heard

alot about predisone and Endrel(sp?). Can you tell me what to expect

to be started on.

thanks for being there,

a R.

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, After reading some of your responses to my post about the rheumatoid factor and RA, I consulted my rheumy for his opinion. He said that a majority of rheumys classify patients who test negative for the RF as sero-negative, to differentiate them from those who test positive for the RF. He also said that each rheumy and doctor is different and some may follow the standards of their local Medical Society or practice. Anyway, I apologize for my mistake. By the way, my statement in no way said that not having RA meant your arthritis was less severe. I have Reactive Arthritis, not RA, and it is very severe.

Take care,

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