Re: Best time to test for RA?

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I'm far from being an expert by any means and there are a lot of people in the

group that may be able to tell you some things in far better depth. But with me,

and how I test, it's better for me to be in a flare when getting tested because

sometimes I test negative.  Depending on  your doctor's type of initial testing,

(I've had 4 diff doctors), some will actually test for the RA factor as well the

test for inflammation - not sure what it's called. There is also a more in depth

test that I just had instead of the first 2 that I mentioned that looks at the

proteins in the blood. My new RA doctor chose to do the in depth testing because

of my lab histories turning out negative half the time.

 

What I would suggest - sit down with your doctor and have him explain the tests

that he's planning on doing on you beforehand  and let him know that you are

concerned with having unnecessary tests,, etc. Also, make sure you get a copy of

the tests yourself afterwards. Then go over each line item with him to explain

what everything is. Mine is really good at explaining everything. If you can,

take a copy of your past medical records with you to the new doctor. (keep a

copy of them for yourself). That will also help eliminate unneccessary testing

because he can see your history. You can sign for them at your current doc's

office.

 

I hope I've been a little help - I'm sure you will get some good answers from

the group!

in SC

From: MelodyS <ahearttowardhome@...>

Subject: [ ] Best time to test for RA?

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 9:07 AM

 

Good Morning Everyone!

Our new insurance will be coming into affect the end of this month, so I will be

having tests done. Dear people, is it best to have blood work done WHEN having a

flare? Or does it matter?

Also, may I ask, what tests do you all feel are necessary and which ones don't

really need to be done? I'm sure my Dr. will send me to a Rheumatologist, but

I'd like to be a little informed before showing up. (I have spent some time

reading Rheumatoid Arthritis websites. I will go back and reread again for tests

that are done.)

A little over a year ago I had to have surgery to remove one of my parathyroids.

I had test after test, ALL of them confirming that it was a tumor and wasn't

working. Several of those tests were NOT necessary!!! I think they were just

done, because they didn't really know what to do, but go by the book. I don't

want to do that again. So can you please tell me what is necessary?

Thank you all for your time.

Melody Shaw (CO)

[Guest guest]

Melody,

If you can time taking the tests during a flare, I'd go for it. Being

seen by your rheumatologist during a flare may also be helpful, but

that might not be possible.

I can't tell you which tests are necessary for you and which aren't.

Only your rheumatologist can determine that after examining you and

taking your history.

Not an MD

On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 8:07 AM, MelodyS <ahearttowardhome@...> wrote:

> Good Morning Everyone!

>

> Our new insurance will be coming into affect the end of this month, so I will

be having tests done.  Dear people, is it best to have blood work done WHEN

having a flare?  Or does it matter?

>

> Also, may I ask, what tests do you all feel are necessary and which ones don't

really need to be done?  I'm sure my Dr. will send me to a Rheumatologist, but

I'd like to be a little informed before showing up.  (I have spent some time

reading Rheumatoid Arthritis websites.  I will go back and reread again for

tests that are done.)

>

> A little over a year ago I had to have surgery to remove one of my

parathyroids.  I had test after test, ALL of them confirming that it was a tumor

and wasn't working.  Several of those tests were NOT necessary!!!  I think they

were just done, because they didn't really know what to do, but go by the book.

 I don't want to do that again.  So can you please tell me what is necessary?

>

> Thank you all for your time.

>

> Melody Shaw (CO)