Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 the therapy sound great to me!!! the slowing down of inflammation will decrease the erosion. I am sure at some point they will do xrays. If they don't recommend it you could mention it at your next visit. good luck. rita [ ] Lab results...FINALLY Hi everyone, I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated with this? Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about right to any of you??? Take good care, Sharon ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for users and friends. http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text1.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Honestly, I don't know anything about anything, but 5 months of treatment with Prednisone alone would raise some questions for me. I thought I had read that agressive treatment in the early stages can affect a better outcome. I will be curious to read how others here were treated at the beginning of their disease - those who were lucky enough to get an early diagnosis, that is. Everyone is different, and different treatments work differently on each person. Good luck with whatever treatment plan is ultimately used. Ask questions, and keep asking questions. It's the only way we have of becoming active participants in our care. > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Hi Sharon, sorry, do you see a rheumatologist? You're right that you need something else to control the RA. The course of pred will help with inflammation, but not over all disease management. As for the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, I think the cut off for many labs is <20 is normal. When I was first symptomatic my RF was 20. Then several years later it was much higher, I think in the 50s. My rheum did do baseline xrays, I think that's pretty standard practice. It did take me 3 visits to 3 different rheums before I found one I liked, it might be good to try a 2nd opinion. [ ] Lab results...FINALLY Hi everyone, I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated with this? Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about right to any of you??? Take good care, Sharon <!-- #ygrp-mkp{ border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px 0px;padding:0px 14px;} #ygrp-mkp hr{ border:1px solid #d8d8d8;} #ygrp-mkp #hd{ color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0px;} #ygrp-mkp #ads{ margin-bottom:10px;} #ygrp-mkp .ad{ padding:0 0;} #ygrp-mkp .ad a{ color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;} --> <!-- #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{ font-family:Arial;} #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{ margin:10px 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{ margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;} --> <!-- #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} #ygrp-text{ font-family:Georgia; } #ygrp-text p{ margin:0 0 1em 0;} #ygrp-tpmsgs{ font-family:Arial; clear:both;} #ygrp-vitnav{ padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} #ygrp-vitnav a{ padding:0 1px;} #ygrp-actbar{ clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text-align:right;} #ygrp-actbar .left{ float:left;white-space:nowrap;} ..bld{font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-grft{ font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} #ygrp-ft{ font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; padding:5px 0; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ padding-bottom:10px;} #ygrp-reco { margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;} #ygrp-reco #reco-head { font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;} #reco-grpname{ font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;} #reco-category{ font-size:77%;} #reco-desc{ font-size:77%;} #ygrp-vital{ background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} #ygrp-vital #vithd{ font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text-transform:upp\ ercase;} #ygrp-vital ul{ padding:0;margin:2px 0;} #ygrp-vital ul li{ list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; } #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text-align:right;padding-ri\ ght:.5em;} #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-vital a{ text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-vital a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ color:#999;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} #ygrp-sponsor #nc{ background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ padding:8px 0;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font-size:100%;line-height:122%\ ;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ margin:0;} o{font-size:0;} ..MsoNormal{ margin:0 0 0 0;} #ygrp-text tt{ font-size:120%;} blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} ..replbq{margin:4;} --> ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Never miss a thing. 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Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Sharon, Did a rheumatologist order your labs? Sometimes Primary Care Doctors don't test for the same tests that a rheumatologist would to confirm a diagnosis for RA. SED rate is just to test for imflammation (reason for the predisone), your RA factor is either positive or negative. There are other tests such as an Anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibody test (helps confirm diagnosis and may show your risk of having severe symptoms). Only a rheumatologist will give you a diagnosis of RA (and prescribe you medication to avoid further joint damage)...they will test for physical symptoms in your joints, rheumatoid nodules etc. and more then likely will do x-rays on your hands and feet. For a list of labs that are normally ordered to r/o RA, you can go to webmd.com...here is the link for RA exams and tests: http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/tc/rheumatoid-arthritis- exams-and-tests. Hope that helps. Let us know if there is anything else you have a question about. > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I asked my MD that just the other day, he said there is a number associated with it but is just a range, so if it is over a certain # it is positive, but he said the lab never sends him a number, just positive or negative. For whatever reason my insurance requested I re- test for it? Thats why I asked him. > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Hi , No, it was my internist who did the DX for me. She's the one who ordere the labs. She told me initially that after she got the labs back she would put me on Pred but I had no idea it would be for 5 months. I don't have a Rhuematologist...no insurance. I can't imagine what it costs to go to one. I'll see what happens with the Pred. I have a feeling I might try the clinic though and see if they can get me an appointment with a Rhuematologist and then I wouldn't have to pay for anything. I've had this for a very long time. My Mother is a nurse and I first notice my fingers actually turning about 3 years ago. I don't know how long you have it before your joints begin to deform but I know it's been a long time. I'm not new to this and while I don't know if jumping into intense drugs are right either...I think there are things that need to be done and I don't want to wait until August to see my doctor again. If they don't do x rays they won't have anything to compare to as time goes on. It doesn't make sense. I may try the clinic...see where that gets me. Thanks again . Take care, Sharon > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only > I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I > asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were > numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month > thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just > helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone > scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I looked up the number associate with the RA Factor and they said it didn't have anything to do with the severity of RA..it's the amount of it that is in your system or something. It didn't seem terribly significant. Take care, Sharon in NJ > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only > I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I > asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were > numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month > thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just > helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone > scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 HI Rita, I won't see the doctor until August. That seems like a long way off. I did mention x rays today but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. How do you know what you're really working with unless you have them? I'll see what happens. Take good care, Sharon > > the therapy sound great to me!!! the slowing down of inflammation will decrease the erosion. I am sure at some point they will do xrays. If they don't recommend it you could mention it at your next visit. good luck. rita > > > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for users and friends. > http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text1.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Hi , That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I run into another situation where I find something else I can no longer do. I constantly drop things...it's starting to hurt to hold the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take Tylenol? Take care, Sharon > > Hi Sharon, sorry, do you see a rheumatologist? You're right that you need something else to control the RA. The course of pred will help with inflammation, but not over all disease management. As for the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, I think the cut off for many labs is <20 is normal. When I was first symptomatic my RF was 20. Then several years later it was much higher, I think in the 50s. My rheum did do baseline xrays, I think that's pretty standard practice. It did take me 3 visits to 3 different rheums before I found one I liked, it might be good to try a 2nd opinion. > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > > > > > <!-- > > #ygrp-mkp{ > border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px 0px;padding:0px 14px;} > #ygrp-mkp hr{ > border:1px solid #d8d8d8;} > #ygrp-mkp #hd{ > color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line- height:122%;margin:10px 0px;} > #ygrp-mkp #ads{ > margin-bottom:10px;} > #ygrp-mkp .ad{ > padding:0 0;} > #ygrp-mkp .ad a{ > color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;} > --> > > <!-- > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{ > font-family:Arial;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{ > margin:10px 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{ > margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;} > --> > > <!-- > > #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} > #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} > #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} > #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} > #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} > #ygrp-text{ > font-family:Georgia; > } > #ygrp-text p{ > margin:0 0 1em 0;} > #ygrp-tpmsgs{ > font-family:Arial; > clear:both;} > #ygrp-vitnav{ > padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} > #ygrp-vitnav a{ > padding:0 1px;} > #ygrp-actbar{ > clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text- align:right;} > #ygrp-actbar .left{ > float:left;white-space:nowrap;} > .bld{font-weight:bold;} > #ygrp-grft{ > font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} > #ygrp-ft{ > font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; > padding:5px 0; > } > #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ > padding-bottom:10px;} > > #ygrp-reco { > margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;} > #ygrp-reco #reco-head { > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;} > > #reco-grpname{ > font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;} > #reco-category{ > font-size:77%;} > #reco-desc{ > font-size:77%;} > > #ygrp-vital{ > background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} > #ygrp-vital #vithd{ > font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text- transform:uppercase;} > #ygrp-vital ul{ > padding:0;margin:2px 0;} > #ygrp-vital ul li{ > list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; > } > #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text- align:right;padding-right:.5em;} > #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ > font-weight:bold;} > #ygrp-vital a{ > text-decoration:none;} > > #ygrp-vital a:hover{ > text-decoration:underline;} > > #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ > color:#999;font-size:77%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ > padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ > padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ > list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ > text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #nc{ > background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ > padding:8px 0;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ > font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font- size:100%;line-height:122%;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ > text-decoration:none;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ > text-decoration:underline;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ > margin:0;} > o{font-size:0;} > .MsoNormal{ > margin:0 0 0 0;} > #ygrp-text tt{ > font-size:120%;} > blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} > .replbq{margin:4;} > --> > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Never miss a thing. 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Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 From my understanding, a positive RAFactor is over 80. If it is on the low end of high it usually indicated lupus or another autoimmune illness. RA is suppose to be significantly higher. I don't know if I believe that, but that is what some say. My RAFactor is 340. Usually the ANA is done as well, the lab I use has the normal under 40, mine is 80 and a speckled pattern, indicative of RA. I know many doctors like to start on prednisone, but with the options available now, it scares me to think that prednisone is the first option. Yes, it works like a charm, but it is hell to get off of. When I was diagnosed, it was only a year or so before the biologics. I was started on prednisone and plaquenil initially. Twelve and a half years later I have never been able to get off of it. Personally, I would see if there was another medication to be put on before resorting to pred. Luckily I am just on 4mg. Slowing RA is a bit of a misnomer, and some may disagree with me. The point of all the medication is to reduce the inflammation, some just go through a different way of doing so. I feel that biologics do make people feel better and it can delay destruction but I don't think it necessarily slows the disease. Enough/ the right NSAID, DMARDS, pred dose could slow the disease just as well for the right person...just like biologics don't always work. It boils down to what works for you. However, I think beginning treatment with anything more than a prednisone dose pack is silly. But I am not a doctor... Shandi Sharon <Fotograffa@...> wrote: Hi everyone, I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated with this? Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about right to any of you??? Take good care, Sharon --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 i see my dr every 8 weeks and get blood work every 4. however, when i was first diagnosed i got only labs. as soon as i was feeling better they did baseline xrays. however you do have to understand that my flair was so bad that i could not lay on a xray table at the time. i think the degree you are at the time, the doctor, your other factors that i don't know may be playing into your drs plan. that is what is so good about america if you don't like your dr you can change. but when i was first diagnosed i was so sick that i could not lie on a xray table unless sedated. since i have had back fusions and it took them 6 hours to intubate me. i did not know until the surgery that the ra had invaded my lungs, trachea, throat and esophagus. i had to be pediatricaly intubation with fibre optic. i would use the pednisone until i was stable, talk to dr and go from there. but i do share the pain that sometimes you are not able for a full body ra evaluation. it took several months for all my baselines to be done and evaluated. i was even sent to a specialist to evaluate my heart and respiration when getting in and out of a chair because i was in such pain and it could not be detected on an xray. after all these evaluations that took many months, i worked with my ra dr and a few other specialists for the correct treatment. had i been given a biologic right off the bat with the restrictive lung disease that the ra had caused i would have most likely died. trust your doctors. everyones body is different. but after you start feeling better and dont agree with the time frame that your doctor is working on talk with her or better yet switch doctors. love and hugs rita [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ ____________ __ > No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal for users and friends. > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text1.com > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I think it's the SED rate and not the RA Factor that might indicate another illness like Lupus. I also had an ANA and I was negative for Lupus. sharon in NJ > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Rita...I don't know what's going on at this point. We can change doctors in America and if you don't have insurance it's next to impossible to get one... If I were just coming into all of this and just DX today I guess playing the waiting game wouldn't be so bad but that's not the case. I explained all this to the doctor when I saw her on the 13th. I thought she was taking it all in. I don't even have flairs anymore. I'm like this all the time now. I think she could be a tad more aggressive than just Pred. Laying on an x ray table would be torture for me too but I think it needs to be done in my case. Seriously, I'm going to the doctor's office on Monday to get a copy of my labs and maybe have a chance to talk to someone...I'll try the Pred and see what happens. No matter how wonderful she said I'll feel on it...it's not going to slow the progression. I'll see what happens. Take care, Sharon in NJ > > i see my dr every 8 weeks and get blood work every 4. however, when i was first diagnosed i got only labs. as soon as i was feeling better they did baseline xrays. however you do have to understand that my flair was so bad that i could not lay on a xray table at the time. i think the degree you are at the time, the doctor, your other factors that i don't know may be playing into your drs plan. that is what is so good about america if you don't like your dr you can change. but when i was first diagnosed i was so sick that i could not lie on a xray table unless sedated. since i have had back fusions and it took them 6 hours to intubate me. i did not know until the surgery that the ra had invaded my lungs, trachea, throat and esophagus. i had to be pediatricaly > intubation with fibre optic. i would use the pednisone until i was stable, talk to dr and go from there. but i do share the pain that sometimes you are not able for a full body ra evaluation. it took several months for all my baselines to be done and evaluated. i was even sent to a specialist to evaluate my heart and respiration when getting in and out of a chair because i was in such pain and it could not be detected on an xray. after all these evaluations that took many months, i worked with my ra dr and a few other specialists for the correct treatment. had i been given a biologic right off the bat with the restrictive lung disease that the ra had caused i would have most likely died. trust your doctors. everyones body is different. but after you start feeling better and dont agree with the time frame that your doctor is working on talk with her or better yet switch doctors. love and hugs rita > > > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only > I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were > numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just > helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > ____________ __ > > No Cost - Get a month of Blockbuster Total Access now. Sweet deal > for users and friends. > > http://tc.deals. / tc/blockbuster/ text1.com > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Hi Sharon, In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the prednisone to see if it works...if it does, than she knows it is definitely RA...sometimes there can be other reason for a raised count or a false positive but if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then she knows it is RA for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are right, prednisone is not the only treatment for the inflammation. Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the prednisone...it is a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side effects... I would suggest getting yourself to a good Rheumatologist as quickly as possible...I think you said she was your family doctor... Diane > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are relieved with prednisone, then RA is indicated? Judy Diane wrote: Hi Sharon, In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the prednisone to see if it works...if it does, than she knows it is definitely RA...sometimes there can be other reason for a raised count or a false positive but if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then she knows it is RA for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are right, prednisone is not the only treatment for the inflammation. Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the prednisone...it is a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side effects... I would suggest getting yourself to a good Rheumatologist as quickly as possible...I think you said she was your family doctor... .___ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 No. Response to a course of prednisone can lend weight to the theory that an inflammatory process is at work, but it doesn't necessarily mean that RA is the culprit. Not an MD > Re: [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are relieved with prednisone, then RA > is indicated? > > Judy > > Diane wrote: > > Hi Sharon, > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the prednisone to see if > it works...if it does, than she knows it is definitely RA...sometimes > there can be other reason for a raised count or a false positive but > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then she knows it is RA > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are right, prednisone > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the prednisone...it is > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side effects... > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good Rheumatologist as quickly > as possible...I think you said she was your family doctor... > .___ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Sharon, The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is not like a pregnancy test. Despite its name, rheumatoid factor production is not specific to RA. There are many possible reasons for a positive RF, even simply aging. In addition, there is no one standard test for RF, so the way the results are determined, reported, and interpreted will vary from lab to lab. I suspect that your physician is not sure of the diagnosis and wants to see how you do on prednisone; however, watching and waiting for five months is not a good idea. It would be wise to find a rheumatologist for a second opinion. Not an MD > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 None of these tests - sedimentation rate ( " sed " rate, ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA) - is specific for any one condition. Not an MD > [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > > I think it's the SED rate and not the RA Factor that might indicate > another illness like Lupus. I also had an ANA and I was negative > for Lupus. > sharon in NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 When I had my first flare before finding out that I had RA I was put on Prednisone, celebrex and Percocets. After still being swelled up my pcp finally sent me to see a Rheumy. She took me off the celebrex, kept me on the prednisone raised the dose to 20mg then added in MTX even before doing blood work. She then sent me for lab work. My SED was high, My Vit D was extremely low, but I had a normal RF and a normal ANA. I was diagnosed with sero-negative Rheumatiod Arthritis. I'm guessing the Rheumy knew what I had even before the labs came back to give me the MTX. I started out on 4 pills a week then when I was raised to 6 pills I became extremely nausated and sick. She took me off of that and put me on enbrel. Enbrel as been a mircle drug for me. Recently she has added back the MTX but in injectables. I am not to happy about it. I took the MTX for about a month, I have now since stopped the injections and realized that it was not helping me either way with the RA. So I'm refusing to take it again until I get New Insurance. I have enough enbrel to last me until my medical assistance kicks in. It take 30 days here to get it. I did find out that if you have Medicare you can get Medical assistance here in land. It is something for you all to check into at social services if you are having issues paying the high costs of medical issues. We also have here something called Pharmacy assistance as well. [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > Hi everyone, > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my doctor's office to > inform me that they had my labs back and she wanted to talk to me > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it would be. She > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse a day....if only I > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme and Lupus. I asked > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I asked if that > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was like a pregnency > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know there were numbers > associated with it. Do any of you know about a number associated > with this? > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 month thing...this > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and after 5 months of > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm not a rocket > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. It's just helping > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a bone scan....?? > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of days I'm less to do > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are they going to > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does this sound about > right to any of you??? > > Take good care, > Sharon > > > > > <!-- > > #ygrp-mkp{ > border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px 0px;padding:0px 14px;} > #ygrp-mkp hr{ > border:1px solid #d8d8d8;} > #ygrp-mkp #hd{ > color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line- height:122%;margin:10px 0px;} > #ygrp-mkp #ads{ > margin-bottom:10px;} > #ygrp-mkp .ad{ > padding:0 0;} > #ygrp-mkp .ad a{ > color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;} > --> > > <!-- > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{ > font-family:Arial;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{ > margin:10px 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{ > margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;} > --> > > <!-- > > #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} > #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} > #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} > #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} > #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} > #ygrp-text{ > font-family:Georgia; > } > #ygrp-text p{ > margin:0 0 1em 0;} > #ygrp-tpmsgs{ > font-family:Arial; > clear:both;} > #ygrp-vitnav{ > padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} > #ygrp-vitnav a{ > padding:0 1px;} > #ygrp-actbar{ > clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text- align:right;} > #ygrp-actbar .left{ > float:left;white-space:nowrap;} > .bld{font-weight:bold;} > #ygrp-grft{ > font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} > #ygrp-ft{ > font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; > padding:5px 0; > } > #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ > padding-bottom:10px;} > > #ygrp-reco { > margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;} > #ygrp-reco #reco-head { > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;} > > #reco-grpname{ > font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;} > #reco-category{ > font-size:77%;} > #reco-desc{ > font-size:77%;} > > #ygrp-vital{ > background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} > #ygrp-vital #vithd{ > font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text- transform:uppercase;} > #ygrp-vital ul{ > padding:0;margin:2px 0;} > #ygrp-vital ul li{ > list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; > } > #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text- align:right;padding-right:.5em;} > #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ > font-weight:bold;} > #ygrp-vital a{ > text-decoration:none;} > > #ygrp-vital a:hover{ > text-decoration:underline;} > > #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ > color:#999;font-size:77%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ > padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ > padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ > list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ > text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #nc{ > background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ > padding:8px 0;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ > font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font- size:100%;line-height:122%;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ > text-decoration:none;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ > text-decoration:underline;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ > margin:0;} > o{font-size:0;} > .MsoNormal{ > margin:0 0 0 0;} > #ygrp-text tt{ > font-size:120%;} > blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} > .replbq{margin:4;} > --> > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ ______________ > Never miss a thing. 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Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I too have read that the RF factor is no longer relevant in determining how severe RA is or can be. There are many patients with seronegative RA. It used to be thought that if one didn't have the RF factor then they would have a less progressive/less severe case of RA, but this is not true according to doctors I have seen either. --- Sharon <Fotograffa@...> wrote: > I looked up the number associate with the RA Factor > and they said it > didn't have anything to do with the severity of > RA..it's the amount > of it that is in your system or something. It > didn't seem terribly > significant. > Take care, > Sharon in NJ > > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my > doctor's office to > > > inform me that they had my labs back and she > wanted to talk to me > > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that > it would be. She > > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 > minutse a day....if > only > > I > > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for > Lyme and Lupus. I > > asked > > > about the RA Factor and she said it was > " high " ...I asked if that > > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it > was like a > pregnency > > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't > know there were > > numbers > > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a > number associated > > > with this? > > > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a > 5 month > > thing...this > > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and > after 5 months of > > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. > I'm not a rocket > > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any > way. It's just > > helping > > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays > or a bone > > scan....?? > > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of > days I'm less to > do > > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are > they going to > > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does > this sound about > > > right to any of you??? > > > > > > Take good care, > > > Sharon > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Hi Sharon! I have FMS and seronegative RA. I rarely ever am prescribed Prednisone due to my age (I'm 36), as it can be rough on the bones. It's used as a very last resort for me. I've only been given it for the RA 1 to 2 times. However, I was also taking NSAIDS, DMARDS, my sleeping medication, and all of my other medications, plus the Ultram that I use for pain for my FMS. Perhaps they would be willing to give you something like that. --- Sharon <Fotograffa@...> wrote: > Hi , > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 > months of Pred > will help to control anything. I told the doctor > how long I've had > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! > Every few days I > run into another situation where I find something > else I can no > longer do. I constantly drop things...it's starting > to hurt to hold > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting > involved and > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so > bad that typing > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I > might see if I can > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what > happens with that. > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on > Pred...what can you > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. > I heard you can > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can > only take > Tylenol? > Take care, > Sharon > > > > > > > > Hi Sharon, sorry, do you see a rheumatologist? > You're right that > you need something else to control the RA. The > course of pred will > help with inflammation, but not over all disease > management. As for > the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, I think the cut off > for many labs is > <20 is normal. When I was first symptomatic my RF > was 20. Then > several years later it was much higher, I think in > the 50s. My rheum > did do baseline xrays, I think that's pretty > standard practice. It > did take me 3 visits to 3 different rheums before I > found one I > liked, it might be good to try a 2nd opinion. > > > > [ ] Lab results...FINALLY > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my > doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she > wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it > would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse > a day....if only > I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme > and Lupus. I > asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I > asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was > like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know > there were > numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a > number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 > month > thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and > after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm > not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. > It's just > helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or > a bone > scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of > days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are > they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does > this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > > > > > > > > > > <!-- > > > > #ygrp-mkp{ > > border:1px solid > #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px > 0px;padding:0px 14px;} > > #ygrp-mkp hr{ > > border:1px solid #d8d8d8;} > > #ygrp-mkp #hd{ > > color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line- > height:122%;margin:10px 0px;} > > #ygrp-mkp #ads{ > > margin-bottom:10px;} > > #ygrp-mkp .ad{ > > padding:0 0;} > > #ygrp-mkp .ad a{ > > color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;} > > --> > > > > <!-- > > > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{ > > font-family:Arial;} > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{ > > margin:10px > 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;} > > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{ > > margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;} > > --> > > > > <!-- > > > > #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, > helvetica, > clean, sans-serif;} > > #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} > > #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% > arial, helvetica, > clean, sans-serif;} > > #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} > > #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} > > #ygrp-text{ > > font-family:Georgia; > > } > > #ygrp-text p{ > > margin:0 0 1em 0;} > > #ygrp-tpmsgs{ > > font-family:Arial; > > clear:both;} > > #ygrp-vitnav{ > > > padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} > > #ygrp-vitnav a{ > > padding:0 1px;} > > #ygrp-actbar{ > > clear:both;margin:25px > 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text- > align:right;} > > #ygrp-actbar .left{ > > float:left;white-space:nowrap;} > > .bld{font-weight:bold;} > > #ygrp-grft{ > > font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} > > #ygrp-ft{ > > font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px > solid #666; > > padding:5px 0; > > } > > #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ > > padding-bottom:10px;} > > > > #ygrp-reco { > > margin-bottom:20px;padding:0px;} > > #ygrp-reco #reco-head { > > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;} > > > > #reco-grpname{ > > font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;} > > #reco-category{ > > font-size:77%;} > > #reco-desc{ > > font-size:77%;} > > > > #ygrp-vital{ > > > background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px > 0 8px 8px;} > > #ygrp-vital #vithd{ > > > font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text- > === message truncated === ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ You rock. 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Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 From what my doctors tell me, the ESR (Sed Rate), anti ccp, and westgren all can indicate RA if elevated. There are additional tests that I have had done to rule out Lupus which was some kind of double stranded DNA test. --- Sharon <Fotograffa@...> wrote: > I think it's the SED rate and not the RA Factor that > might indicate > another illness like Lupus. I also had an ANA and > I was negative > for Lupus. > sharon in NJ > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I got a phone call a little while ago from my > doctor's office to > > inform me that they had my labs back and she > wanted to talk to me > > about it. My cholesterol was high...knew that it > would be. She > > suggested I get more exercise and walk 20 minutse > a day....if only > I > > could. SED rate is 59. Tested negative for Lyme > and Lupus. I asked > > about the RA Factor and she said it was " high " ...I > asked if that > > meant positive and she said yes. I thought it was > like a pregnency > > test...either negative or positive. I didn't know > there were > numbers > > associated with it. Do any of you know about a > number associated > > with this? > > > > Also, they are going to put me on Pred. It's a 5 > month thing...this > > month 20 mil, 15 next month, 10 and then 5 and > after 5 months of > > taking that daily I am supposed to call them. I'm > not a rocket > > scientist but this isn't slowing my RA in any way. > It's just > helping > > with inflamation. They aren't ordering x-rays or a > bone scan....?? > > Don't I need a base line here? Every couple of > days I'm less to do > > what I was able to do a short time ago...how are > they going to > > regular this and measure it?? Is it me or does > this sound about > > right to any of you??? > > > > Take good care, > > Sharon > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all > with Mobile. > Try it now. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I was advised of this too. If my SED Rate, Westgren, anti ccp were elevated and if I responded to the treatment then they knew inflammatory arthritis was present. --- J Acciarito <jacyone@...> wrote: > Is that generally true? That if your symptoms are > relieved with prednisone, then RA is indicated? > > Judy > > Diane wrote: > > Hi Sharon, > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the > prednisone to see if > it works...if it does, than she knows it is > definitely RA...sometimes > there can be other reason for a raised count or a > false positive but > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then > she knows it is RA > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are > right, prednisone > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the > prednisone...it is > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side > effects... > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good > Rheumatologist as quickly > as possible...I think you said she was your family > doctor... > .___ > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Like movies? Here's a limited-time offer: Blockbuster Total Access for one month at no cost. http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text4.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 , I was wondering what other inflammatory processes might be at work? Originally, an MRI showed the bilateral joint knee effusions. Then there were times, my knee joints would be red and very warm to the touch. Gout and infections were and have been ruled out anytime they aspirate the joint. I didn't test positive for the RF factor but had elevated ESR/Sed, Westgren and Anti CCP. Not extremely large elevations but they were elevated. I responded to the Prednisone, then awhile later was put on Plaquenil as my doctor had stated I could be in early stages of RA. Then this year, Sulfasalzine was added and my next step is Enbrel. For the longest time, my diagnosis was 716.9 which is inflammatory arthritis with no known cause. When I was at the liver clinic, and they were going over my diagnosis with me, it was written as seronegative RA. Do you know where I can find a listing of inflammatory arthritis? In my search that I have done before I only seem to find RA or Psoriasis, but it states that there are over 100 different types of arthritis. > > > > Hi Sharon, > > In my opinion, I think the Doctor put you on the prednisone to see if > > it works...if it does, than she knows it is definitely RA...sometimes > > there can be other reason for a raised count or a false positive but > > if the prednisone works and the pain is gone, then she knows it is RA > > for sure...does that makes sense to you? You are right, prednisone > > is not the only treatment for the inflammation. > > Hope you are feeling better...be careful with the prednisone...it is > > a powerful and tricky medication with lots of side effects... > > > > I would suggest getting yourself to a good Rheumatologist as quickly > > as possible...I think you said she was your family doctor... > > .___ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I've been taking Prednisone since 1990 at around the 10mg level. Before that, I was getting relief from APC's (aspirin), and hadn't found an anti-inflammatory that worked. I'm still taking Pred and have added Morphine a few years ago after having the quack Rummy take me off almost all meds. The MS Contin does a good job, but still doesn't do any good for breakthrough pain. Also, I almost never get any reports of blood tests. For me, no news is good news. Dennis in eastexas [ ] Re: Lab results...FINALLY > Hi , > > That's what I was thinking too...I don't see how 5 months of Pred > will help to control anything. I told the doctor how long I've had > this...it's nothing new for me. It's been years!!! Every few days I > run into another situation where I find something else I can no > longer do. I constantly drop things...it's starting to hurt to hold > the steering wheel on the car...my hips are getting involved and > becoming painful now too....my hands are getting so bad that typing > is become hard. I'm not new to this at all!! I might see if I can > see a Rhuematologist at the clinic and see what happens with that. > Also, I just thought about this...if you're on Pred...what can you > take for pain? She has no pain medication for me. I heard you can > only take a Tylenol. I have morphine pain and I can only take > Tylenol? > Take care, > Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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