Thank you

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I forgot to mention that my anti-ccp has been and still is negative. I read

that RA with

negative anti-ccp is associated with milder disease. Then I read another

journal which

said that is not the case. Whatever. I've had pallindromic episodes of stiff

hands since I

was 24, now I'm 46.

I'm going to get another consult. Thanks again .

F

> > Hi,

> >

> > If rheumatoid factor does not reflect disease activity, how do you know if

the meds

are

> > working? Just subjective reporting? The swelling in my fingers is super

subtle, most

> > people would not even see it.

> >

> > I have the impression that most people here are not fans of minocycline

therapy. I feel

like

> > I'm between a rock and a hard place with med options. First because I have

chronic

kidney

> > disease and secondly because I work on an airplane. If you don't already

know, they

are

> > one of the most infectious places on earth.

> >

> > The rheummy I saw last week had put one lady with Scleroderma into remission

with

> > minocycline. Not sure if she is still in remission. My RA really kicked in

after my hip

> > replacement surgery. I guess any major biologic event could push flush it

out.

> >

> > My internist, whom I love and adore, told me not to go on mtx yet. He still

thinks

there is

> > a chance it could be fibro. My RF is a few points above normal but I am

waking up

with

> > stiff hands. On the other hand, my RF was a few points above normal 5 years

ago and

I

> > have not been on any meds and have no visible damage on x-ray other than

osteo-

> > arthritis.

> >

> > Is it possible to RA for 5 years and not have any x-ray changes? I know

y'all are not

> > doctors but I find that patients with the disease often are just as

informed.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> >

>