RA Factor

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks for answering me! I am in deep need of some RA informed friends!

I have been swollen in my fingers for over a month. My RA factor is 25. My

knees are starting to swell, my ankles have been swollen for about two weeks or

more and I have that nerve thing going on in my hands, no doubt a result of the

constant swelling. I am not exhausted though. My doc just suspected RA and did

the test. And when he saw the 25, he really figured I had it. He is going to

retest me in three more weeks. If the RA Factor is still high - I will find a

rheumatologist.

I think I have it although I would love to try to convince myself I don't. We

don't have family history of this at all. I was shocked when the RA was

mentioned to me!!

I also have osteo arthritis very very bad in both feet due to a birth condition.

I have had to take strong pain meds just to walk - I take Bextra every day for

my feet, plus some narcotic type drugs every day just to keep on my feet to do

my regular things. Now the RA added to this pain. I can't believe it.

I have done a lot of reading and most of it says if your RA factor is elevated,

you definitely have something going on like RA or lupus, etc. I have been ruled

out of having lupus, thank goodness. So - I just assume I do have the RA. I

wonder what everyone else's RA factor was when they first found out they had it?

Thanks,

Kath

Is your doctor a rheumatologist? What has he said is the next

step? Has he prescribed any medication for you?

And welcome to the group.

Jennie