Guest guest Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 I feel for you! I have only had one positive test, the others were borderline and my physical exams have shown no active RA. Have you had any tests other than bloodwork to confirm your diagnosis? X-rays, ultrasound, MRI? *~ Kami ~* [ ] question on RA tests I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade can take quite a while to work. OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. Here are the results: 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal IGM Anti-CCP neg 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) IGG Anti-CCP neg 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal IGG Anti-CCP neg So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? Or is this range incorrect? I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 Chrissie, Forget the lab values. I've had this disease for at least 11 years if not 22. I've only ever had 2 positive RA factors and even then just borderline. My ccp is also always negative. I also have a lot of osteo and lost two hips to osteo. we can have more than one type of arthritis and sero-negative RA can be just as bad as sero-positive disease. I know how you feel as I too was in denial for a few weeks. The answer for me was after all this time my hands are finally showing some swelling. Sorry. > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > Chrissie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 You're taking 4 MTX a DAY, I hope that's a misprint and you mean a week, if not, please check with your doctor asap. [ ] question on RA tests I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade can take quite a while to work. OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. Here are the results: 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal IGM Anti-CCP neg 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) IGG Anti-CCP neg 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal IGG Anti-CCP neg So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? Or is this range incorrect? I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 Have they done any scans at all? My diagnosis was a little difficult to make. First we did a bone scan and tests and ruled out osteoarthritis. My main problem is in my knees as well. MRI's and scans showed joint knee effusions. As well as elevated blood tests. I was wondering too if I did indeed have it, but I noticed when I had to stop my Sulfasalazine for a 3 month period due to bronchitis, I had pain everywhere I had never had it and could barely move! --- Shihtzumom <shihtzumom1@...> wrote: > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. > I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. > My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst > pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My > rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol > (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which > doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions > of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I > do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if > my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I > went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right > on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on > the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need > them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is > osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just > want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and > Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol > does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard > of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only > osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as > the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol > is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help > osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I > can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I > am not seeing? > > Chrissie > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Never miss a thing. Make your home page. http://www./r/hs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Chrissie, Your labs are borderline. RF is just one of many things your rheumatologist considers when trying to make the diagnosis, but, remember, RF production is not specific to RA and, too, plenty of people receive an RA diagnosis without being RF-positive. That said, I don't think your labs would be considered by most rheumatologists to be strong evidence that you have RA. Response to corticosteroids usually does lend weight to the idea that an inflammatory process is at work, but it wouldn't be specific to RA. Usually, the joints closest to the fingernail (the DIPs) are not significantly affected by RA. The knees can be affected by both RA and OA, but the sort of changes seen via imagining (like MRI or x-ray) would help determine if one or both are responsible. Have you ever consulted another rheumatologist for a second opinion? I would. Not an MD > [ ] question on RA tests > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > Chrissie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Chrisse, My labs were not diagnostic, according to the I did not have RA but luckily I have a Rhu that sent me for and MRI, and when the contrast was added he said the RA lit up big time. So don't put all you hopes that blood test are the answer of how you are doing. According to the RH as much as 40% show negative RA factors. Heidi M On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 10:21 AM, <Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote: > Chrissie, > > Your labs are borderline. RF is just one of many things your > rheumatologist > considers when trying to make the diagnosis, but, remember, RF production > is > not specific to RA and, too, plenty of people receive an RA diagnosis > without being RF-positive. That said, I don't think your labs would be > considered by most rheumatologists to be strong evidence that you have RA. > > Response to corticosteroids usually does lend weight to the idea that an > inflammatory process is at work, but it wouldn't be specific to RA. > > Usually, the joints closest to the fingernail (the DIPs) are not > significantly affected by RA. > > The knees can be affected by both RA and OA, but the sort of changes seen > via imagining (like MRI or x-ray) would help determine if one or both are > responsible. > > Have you ever consulted another rheumatologist for a second opinion? I > would. > > > Not an MD > > > [ ] question on RA tests > > > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my > small > > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, > says > I > > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the > Remecade > > can take quite a while to work. > > > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > > Here are the results: > > > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > > IGM Anti-CCP neg > > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, > right? > > Or is this range incorrect? > > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they > don't > do > > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure > that > > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does > that > > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how > is > > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > > > Chrissie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Ok. I have had MRIs of my wrist and hand. I'll have to ask her what they showed. I don't have copies of those tests. Maybe that is what she was referring to. Thanks, Chrissie [ ] question on RA tests > > > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my > small > > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, > says > I > > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the > Remecade > > can take quite a while to work. > > > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > > Here are the results: > > > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > > IGM Anti-CCP neg > > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, > right? > > Or is this range incorrect? > > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they > don't > do > > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure > that > > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does > that > > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how > is > > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > > > Chrissie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Yes. But I don't have the actual results, so I will definitely ask the rheumy about those when I see her. Maybe that is where the diagnosis came from. Chrissie Re: [ ] question on RA tests I feel for you! I have only had one positive test, the others were borderline and my physical exams have shown no active RA. Have you had any tests other than bloodwork to confirm your diagnosis? X-rays, ultrasound, MRI? *~ Kami ~* [ ] question on RA tests I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade can take quite a while to work. OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. Here are the results: 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal IGM Anti-CCP neg 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) IGG Anti-CCP neg 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal IGG Anti-CCP neg So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? Or is this range incorrect? I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 That is another reason I was questioning the diagnosis. I don't have any swelling or hotness anywhere. I only have bad pain where I do have osteoarthritis. Now, maybe I have osteo and RA in the knees. That's possible. But I need to know that. I am really going to have to sit down and not let her leave until she explains to me how she diagnosed the RA. All she has told me so far is that because I get pain relief with the Medrol (steroid), that means I have RA. Supposedly, according to her osteoarthritis pain would not get better with the Medrol. I fought her originally on taking the Medrol, but finally gave in. And I have to admit that it does work, and at low doses too. I am now on only 2 mg per day. I had been on 8 mg per day. When she took me off the 8mg and started the MTX, the pain got MUCH worse. So she started me back up on 2mg. Does anyone know if that is true...that Medrol wouldn't have worked if I only had osteoarthritis? Chrissie [ ] Re: question on RA tests Chrissie, Forget the lab values. I've had this disease for at least 11 years if not 22. I've only ever had 2 positive RA factors and even then just borderline. My ccp is also always negative. I also have a lot of osteo and lost two hips to osteo. we can have more than one type of arthritis and sero-negative RA can be just as bad as sero-positive disease. I know how you feel as I too was in denial for a few weeks. The answer for me was after all this time my hands are finally showing some swelling. Sorry. > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > Chrissie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 My RA mainly affects my knees too. Mine however when flaring, does get red and warm to the touch. I didn't notice it so much at first but on one of my visits, my rheumatologist pointed it out and now I always check. The stiffness and pain however, rarely ever go away for me. I was sitting on the floor playing with my nephew, (he should be starting to crawl soon). He does the thing where he gets on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth. I accidentally put a little pressure on the knee and paid the price for it! I wasn't on the floor for very long and the pain was pretty intense for the rest of the day. --- Shihtzumom <shihtzumom1@...> wrote: > That is another reason I was questioning the > diagnosis. I don't have any > swelling or hotness anywhere. I only have bad pain > where I do have > osteoarthritis. Now, maybe I have osteo and RA in > the knees. That's > possible. But I need to know that. I am really going > to have to sit down and > not let her leave until she explains to me how she > diagnosed the RA. All she > has told me so far is that because I get pain relief > with the Medrol > (steroid), that means I have RA. Supposedly, > according to her osteoarthritis > pain would not get better with the Medrol. I fought > her originally on taking > the Medrol, but finally gave in. And I have to admit > that it does work, and > at low doses too. I am now on only 2 mg per day. I > had been on 8 mg per day. > When she took me off the 8mg and started the MTX, > the pain got MUCH worse. > So she started me back up on 2mg. > > Does anyone know if that is true...that Medrol > wouldn't have worked if I > only had osteoarthritis? > > Chrissie > > [ ] Re: question on RA tests > > Chrissie, > > Forget the lab values. I've had this disease for at > least 11 years if not > 22. I've only ever > had 2 positive RA factors and even then just > borderline. My ccp is also > always negative. I > also have a lot of osteo and lost two hips to osteo. > we can have more than > one type of > arthritis and sero-negative RA can be just as bad as > sero-positive disease. > I know how > you feel as I too was in denial for a few weeks. > The answer for me was > after all this time > my hands are finally showing some swelling. > Sorry. > > > > > > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or > not. I know I have > > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many > years. My knees and my small > > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the > worst pain. These can both > > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My > rheumatologist, however, says > I > > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on > Medrol (which does help), > > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, > which doesn't seem to do > > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions > of Remecade, which > > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although > I do know the Remecade > > can take quite a while to work. > > > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA > if my pain is from > > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I > went back over my labs. > > Here are the results: > > > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > > IGM Anti-CCP neg > > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range > <14)High-right on the cutoff) > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right > on the borderline, right? > > Or is this range incorrect? > > I have no problem taking these meds if I really > need them, but they don't > do > > anything for my pain (which supposedly is > osteoarthritis), so why am I > > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just > want to know for sure > that > > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and > Remecade. > > > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol > does work, that shows > > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard > of this before? Does > that > > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only > osteoarthritis, because I > > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as > the Remecade starts to > > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol > is helping my pain > > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help > osteoarthritis, then how is > > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I > can go off the Medrol? > > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that > I am not seeing? > > > > Chrissie > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 I do have significant stiffness and pain. I went to the rheumatologist today for hyalgan shots in my knees for the osteoarthritis, and spoke to the head rheumatologist. I explained that I wanted verification that I really do have RA and not just osteo. I explained that I do not have swollen joints or hot red joints. He started looking through the file to find out why I was diagnosed with RA. He said that the RF (rheumatoid factor4) blood tests in negative ranges don't mean I don't have RA. When I told him that the Medrol definitely did work for the pain, he said that proves I have RA. Medrol would not help the osteoarthritis pain. It only works on inflammation. So that is a perfect indicator of Rheumatoid Arthritis and why I was put on MTX and IV infusions of Remecade. So, now I know. I do have RA. The latest ultrasound of my wrist wasn't in yet, but I suspect that will show it also. The first one I had a year ago, supposedly showed some RA also. Thank you everybody, for your responses to my questions. I really do appreciate it. Chrissie [ ] Re: question on RA tests > > Chrissie, > > Forget the lab values. I've had this disease for at > least 11 years if not > 22. I've only ever > had 2 positive RA factors and even then just > borderline. My ccp is also > always negative. I > also have a lot of osteo and lost two hips to osteo. > we can have more than > one type of > arthritis and sero-negative RA can be just as bad as > sero-positive disease. > I know how > you feel as I too was in denial for a few weeks. > The answer for me was > after all this time > my hands are finally showing some swelling. > Sorry. > > > > > > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or > not. I know I have > > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many > years. My knees and my small > > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the > worst pain. These can both > > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My > rheumatologist, however, says > I > > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on > Medrol (which does help), > > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, > which doesn't seem to do > > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions > of Remecade, which > > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although > I do know the Remecade > > can take quite a while to work. > > > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA > if my pain is from > > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I > went back over my labs. > > Here are the results: > > > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > > IGM Anti-CCP neg > > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range > <14)High-right on the cutoff) > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right > on the borderline, right? > > Or is this range incorrect? > > I have no problem taking these meds if I really > need them, but they don't > do > > anything for my pain (which supposedly is > osteoarthritis), so why am I > > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just > want to know for sure > that > > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and > Remecade. > > > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol > does work, that shows > > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard > of this before? Does > that > > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only > osteoarthritis, because I > > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as > the Remecade starts to > > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol > is helping my pain > > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help > osteoarthritis, then how is > > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I > can go off the Medrol? > > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that > I am not seeing? > > > > Chrissie > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 That is how I felt when I went off the Medrol (methylprednizone), more pain than I remembered having before I took it. The pain is in the same joints as the osteo though, so I guess I have both types of arthritis in the same joints which is why I didn't know if it was osteo or RA....it's BOTH. That's why the Medrol worked to curb the pain. I guess it makes sense. RA is in your whole body, even the places that have osteoarthritis, so anything can hurt with RA. Any ideas what causes RA? I believe it has some connection to the gastric bypass I had 7 1/2 years ago, but I can't prove it. Chrissie Re: [ ] question on RA tests Have they done any scans at all? My diagnosis was a little difficult to make. First we did a bone scan and tests and ruled out osteoarthritis. My main problem is in my knees as well. MRI's and scans showed joint knee effusions. As well as elevated blood tests. I was wondering too if I did indeed have it, but I noticed when I had to stop my Sulfasalazine for a 3 month period due to bronchitis, I had pain everywhere I had never had it and could barely move! --- Shihtzumom <shihtzumom1@...> wrote: > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. > I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. > My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst > pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My > rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol > (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which > doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions > of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I > do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if > my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I > went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right > on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on > the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need > them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is > osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just > want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and > Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol > does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard > of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only > osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as > the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol > is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help > osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I > can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I > am not seeing? > > Chrissie > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ____________________________________________________________________________ ________ Never miss a thing. Make your home page. http://www./r/hs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Sorry, yes, that was a typo. I take 4 MTX per week, on Sunday. Chrissie Re: [ ] question on RA tests You're taking 4 MTX a DAY, I hope that's a misprint and you mean a week, if not, please check with your doctor asap. [ ] question on RA tests I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade can take quite a while to work. OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. Here are the results: 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal IGM Anti-CCP neg 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) IGG Anti-CCP neg 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal IGG Anti-CCP neg So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? Or is this range incorrect? I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 So, do the joints with the osteo respond to the Ra treatment? (Do you have both at once?) My knees (definitely osteo also) feel much better on the Medrol, which is only supposed to help RA, not osteo). Chrissie [ ] Re: question on RA tests Chrissie, Forget the lab values. I've had this disease for at least 11 years if not 22. I've only ever had 2 positive RA factors and even then just borderline. My ccp is also always negative. I also have a lot of osteo and lost two hips to osteo. we can have more than one type of arthritis and sero-negative RA can be just as bad as sero-positive disease. I know how you feel as I too was in denial for a few weeks. The answer for me was after all this time my hands are finally showing some swelling. Sorry. > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > Chrissie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Is medrol the same as prednisone? Joy Shihtzumom <shihtzumom1@...> wrote: So, do the joints with the osteo respond to the Ra treatment? (Do you have both at once?) My knees (definitely osteo also) feel much better on the Medrol, which is only supposed to help RA, not osteo). Chrissie [ ] Re: question on RA tests Chrissie, Forget the lab values. I've had this disease for at least 11 years if not 22. I've only ever had 2 positive RA factors and even then just borderline. My ccp is also always negative. I also have a lot of osteo and lost two hips to osteo. we can have more than one type of arthritis and sero-negative RA can be just as bad as sero-positive disease. I know how you feel as I too was in denial for a few weeks. The answer for me was after all this time my hands are finally showing some swelling. Sorry. > > I am questioning whether I really do have RA or not. I know I have > osteoarthritis in my knees and have for many years. My knees and my small > joint on my pinky finger are where I have the worst pain. These can both > probably be attributed to osteoarthritis. My rheumatologist, however, says I > also have rheumatoid arthritis and has me on Medrol (which does help), > although a small dose, methotrexate 4 per day, which doesn't seem to do > anything at all, and I have now had 3 IV infusions of Remecade, which > doesn't seem to be doing anything either, although I do know the Remecade > can take quite a while to work. > > OK, so I asked the office why she says I have RA if my pain is from > osteoarthritis. They say my labs show RA. So, I went back over my labs. > Here are the results: > > 7/06 Rheumatoid Factor 12 (range <14) Normal > IGM Anti-CCP neg > 11/06 Rheum. Factor 14 (range <14)High-right on the cutoff) > IGG Anti-CCP neg > 7/07 Rheum. Factor 13 (range <14) Normal > IGG Anti-CCP neg > > > So, according to these, IF I have RA, I am right on the borderline, right? > Or is this range incorrect? > I have no problem taking these meds if I really need them, but they don't do > anything for my pain (which supposedly is osteoarthritis), so why am I > risking the side-effects of these drugs? I just want to know for sure that > I am doing the right thing by taking the MTX and Remecade. > > Oh, my rheumatologist says that because the Medrol does work, that shows > that it IS rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone heard of this before? Does that > mean the Medrol would NOT work if it was only osteoarthritis, because I > admit that the Medrol does help. She says that as the Remecade starts to > work, I can come off the Medrol. But if the Medrol is helping my pain > (osteoarthritis) and the Remecade doesn't help osteoarthritis, then how is > the Remecade that going to help my pain so that I can go off the Medrol? > It all just doesn't add up to me. What is it that I am not seeing? > > Chrissie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 > > Is medrol the same as prednisone? > Joy Not the same, but a similar cortisteroid. My rheummy also put me on a Medrol does pack (you take a big dose the first day and gradually taper off till you aren't taking it 7 days later) as a diagnostic, since I test negative to every blood test for RA & similar things known to science and yet my classically RA symptoms keep geting worse and worse. I felt so good on it, I almost cried when it started wearing off. No pain whatsoever and I had my old energy back, it was like a miracle. Also made me realize just how much my life has changed so quickly, blah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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