Is this RA?

[Guest guest]

I have just received blood results that seem positive but when

combined with my symptoms and with my family history, I have

reservations. My mother has severe RA. This disease came upon her

in her late 40's when she finished raising us kids and could finally

work as a nurse. She could not work since her RA came very quickly

and she was debilitated (could not walk) for weeks. Now she is 68

and still has many flares, is immuno-compromised with countless

bouts of pneumonia and has heart and lung conditions related to RA.

She has been on Methotrexate and other meds with very little success

(she has never had the gift of a remission). She and I are very

close so her illness has hurt me deeply. Her maternal aunt had RA

and it was also dx'd in her 40's, but was more moderate. She lived

to be 88 and even though she was wheelchair mobile, she lived a good

life.

Over a couple of months, I have been waking up with slightly stiff

finger joints both hands) and in the last few weeks, I have had

slight pain on the crease where my elbow bends (both sides). I went

to the doctor because I suspected RA. My mom and I look very much

alike and are alike in so many ways that I have always believed that

one day I would have RA as well.

The doctor did three tests. One was the RA factor test. This score

was a 7 and the nurse said that anything higher than 13.5 was

indicative of RA. Another test was the ANA. I scored 13 out of a

possible range of 1-100 and this was considered fine. The third

test was a regular xray which came out " normal " . I know I should

take these as signs that I do not have RA, but I cannot help but

think that I could be in the early stages of this disease and the

tests are simply not sensitive enough for a dx at this time.

Compared to my mom and to those on this board who live with this

disease, I know I should be thankful and relieved, but I am not. I

am a chronic worrier and wonder if any of you have a take on how I

should read these results.

BTW, I am female and 40.

Thanks for any input, in advance.