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Clueless about the activity, Help needed!

Posted , 4 users are following.

manish_56401
manish_56401

I am a 25 year female who was diagonized with RA in 2013 after having mild pain in shoulder followed by swelling in the ankle. I went to see a Rheumatologists within  a month. The doctor took complete blood tests to see my RF- 54 and Anti-CCP- 40 and others blood tests were normal. He put me in 15mg of MTX and Hydroxycholorquine 200 and folic acid tablets. After the first incident on 2013 that I had no flare, no morning stifness. I continued and still continuing those medications. Recently, in April 2016, I took up blood test to see that my RF factor went to 34 whereas my Anti CCP rocketed to 453 UI/ml CRP is 0.463 (normal). Still I don't find any flare or morning stifness. Since the CRP was less the internal medicine doctor said there are no inflamations however it is better to consult my Rheumatologist.

I am cluless of sharp increase of my anti CCP value and decrement of RF factor. Is this something serious to be taken care regarding the change of medications?  Is my disease evolving?

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie manish_56401

    Posted

    As I understand it the anti CCP test is the most reliable in confirming a diagnosis of RA and its development. The other blood tests are less precise.

    it sounds like you have been very fortunate in having an early diagnosis and prompt treatment and don't have too many symptoms. I can see why you re concerned the anti CCP has gone up. Can you ring your rheumy nurse to find out what they think ? Certainly contact a rheumy promptly if you get any more symptoms so they can adjust your meds accordingly. But for now it sounds like your meds are controlling this really well which is absolutely great!

    Wishing you all the best.

    • manish_56401
      manish_56401 Rowbirdie

      Posted

      Thanks a lot Rowbirdie.

      I have an appointment next week. Will keep posted. It may help many people over here smile

  • Jayne7831
    Jayne7831 manish_56401

    Posted

    I too had a cpp which was elevated..the lab result itself  only reported a level above 200.  When i ask rheumy when they will repeat(only diagnosed 6 months ago) he replied never.  It is o nly used for diagnosis, not for treatment plans.  I'm totally unsure if this is correct or not.  Anybody have info on that?  Next appt I will ask if he will order a vectra test. If not, I may have to move the on!
    • manish_56401
      manish_56401 Jayne7831

      Posted

      Hi Jayne7831,

      I have read in few places that Anti CCP titre value will give ideas on how the current medications are evolving and ideas on prognosis. Since Anti CCP bodies are present long years before the actual symptom, I guess that the treatment will be way tailored to act over the issue more rigorously and prevent much progression.

      I have a question like, if we get to know anti ccp bodies presence way long before the symptom starts and start treating them, then why would few research article conclude, High Anti CCP implies higher chances of severe RA. Do they mean, if untreated , higher Anti CCP titre value means severe RA or even under medications.

    • Jayne7831
      Jayne7831 manish_56401

      Posted

      I have 2 rheumys....the one I trust more said at my six month check that my high cpp was indicative of a very aggressive form of the disease..so she  Increased my meds which the other rheumy would not.  His idea is to save the big guns for when symptoms are more severe.  Meanwhile I was in daily pain.  Much better after the increase.  It seems we are slaves to the disease and to the dr's opinions...but where would we be without doctors??
    • manish_56401
      manish_56401 Jayne7831

      Posted

      True. Doctors words are mighty. Provided doctors are also updated on the current trends and not to follow a single plan which works for one patient on all,which seemed crazy as RA itself is crazy. Atleast we should be greatful that there are enough treatment and medications to control the disease. Lets hope they find a cure or the root cause. Hope is a good thing to cling on to in life. 
    • Rowbirdie
      Rowbirdie manish_56401

      Posted

      Yes, I think a higher anti CCP level confirms diagnosis and how severe the disease is likely to be. But my understanding is that helps them to know how aggressively to treat the disease-But I think they take more notice of clinical evidence, like how many tender or swollen joints, to adjust medication than the original RF or anti CCP results. One thing is sure from reading these forums , is that everyone s experience is slightly different. I m a firm believer in giving the rheumy as much info as possible on pain level and disease activity(eg if new joints are affected) if current meds not working. They do have a lot of options nowadays  .
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