Guest guest Posted June 8, 2004 Report Share Posted June 8, 2004 Hi, I just found out my second RA factor reading is 18. It was 25 about three weeks ago. I am feeling better but my hands still feel funny - especially swelling, slight ache, and this crazy carpal tunnel stuff. I want to celebrate and believe that I really don't have RA - the whole thing was just a fluke. But, then I wonder - what if I do have it and my numbers are just playing around with me? My SED rate is 5. He says that is not even up at all. The lab I go to says 14 or under is normal for RA factor. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. Thanks, Kath joyfulkate60@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2004 Report Share Posted June 8, 2004 --- In , " Kathy A " <joyfulkate60@m...> wrote: > Hi, > > I just found out my second RA factor reading is 18. It was 25 about three weeks ago. I am feeling better but my hands still feel funny - especially swelling, slight ache, and this crazy carpal tunnel stuff. I want to celebrate and believe that I really don't have RA - the whole thing was just a fluke. But, then I wonder - what if I do have it and my numbers are just playing around with me? My SED rate is 5. He says that is not even up at all. The lab I go to says 14 or under is normal for RA factor. > > Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. > > Thanks, > > Kath > joyfulkate60@m... > Kath, I was told and am definetely not sure that this is correct but that once you have a positive RA factor it really doesn't matter what the rate is. It will go up and down but it is positive. Your treatment should be aggressive to reduce the threat of bone and joint deformity. My #'s have changed so many times that I can't count them anymore and like you I thought that when it went to normal ranges that I was cured but that isn't the truth. It just means for me anyway that my RA was in a period of remission. I wish I had better news about this but don't want you to stop fighting the disease. God bless, Althea > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2004 Report Share Posted June 8, 2004 Kath, Since a positive rheumatoid factor (RF) doesn't necessarily mean RA and a negative RF doesn't rule out RA, try not to place too much importance on that one blood test. If your symptoms strongly suggest RA and you have x-ray results that are consistent with RA, why not go see a rheumatologist for his or her opinion? I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] factor > Hi, > > I just found out my second RA factor reading is 18. It was 25 about three weeks ago. I am feeling better but my hands still feel funny - especially swelling, slight ache, and this crazy carpal tunnel stuff. I want to celebrate and believe that I really don't have RA - the whole thing was just a fluke. But, then I wonder - what if I do have it and my numbers are just playing around with me? My SED rate is 5. He says that is not even up at all. The lab I go to says 14 or under is normal for RA factor. > > Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. > > Thanks, > > Kath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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