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Newly diagnosia, need help

Posted , 3 users are following.

Pn247
Pn247

I took a ra bloodwork and the result was rf=31, esr=60. My doctor refered me to a specialist. She examined all my joints, since I had no pain or any swells, she said everthing is normal, but still took some blood for test. Last week, she called me back and said the results are positive. She offered an option to take prescriptiom, but said it is ok to wait since I have no sympton yet. I need an advice if anyone experience that(no symtons but diagnosis as RA), it is better to start to medicine now or wait until the symptons. Which way will you go?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Justgettinby
    Justgettinby Pn247

    Posted

    What other blood tests were done to confirm the diagnosis? If your RF is only 31 and you have no symptoms, I wouldn't take any of these dangerous meds yet. Just keep an eye on your symptoms, and follow up with a rheumatologist yearly to check your labs. Just my opinion, others may feel differently. We all have our own views on this disease and how we each choose to treat it is individual as well. Good luck! Be happy you don't have these awful symptoms yet!

    • Pn247
      Pn247 Justgettinby

      Posted

      Thank you for response me. I am not sure what other tests she took. When she called me, I forgot to ask. I will go to pick up a copy next week.
  • Gloria814
    Gloria814 Pn247

    Posted

       Why did the doctor decide to do an RA and ESR test initially?   Do you experience increased fatigue---I had major issue with that almost a yr before diagnosis

        I think I would hold off on the medication esp if you have no pain or swelling

    Do you know how soon you will be seen by the specialist--if within the next few months then I don't think you would need to take medicine before further eval 

        Good luck to you

    • Pn247
      Pn247 Gloria814

      Posted

      The reason my doctor did RA and Esr test was I asked him during my physical exam, why my hand looked like a little puffy between my knockles. I thought it was caused by something else. If this this is the symptom, and I don't have the pain now. Should I start the medicine or wait until I feel pain.?

    • Gloria814
      Gloria814 Pn247

      Posted

         For me personally I would wait.  My condition started with feeling exhausted a great deal of the day but esp in the evening.  Couldn't stay awake.  I have always had some stiffness or soreness of joints --for years esp in the morning.   When I had pain and swelling in 1 finger I was sent to a specialist.    He wanted xrays both hands and then MRI and bone erosion was found.  Then I was started on low dose methotrexate which was increased gradually.   I really didn't want to start the medication but starting reading about RA and the impt of early aggressive treatment so I started it.   I am on a biologic injection now.  I should add though that I have 2 other autoimmune diseases which require medicine

         I don't know how difficult it is for you to get to see the specialist.  I had no wait here in the US.    The pills don't start to work immediately 

       

    • Pn247
      Pn247 Gloria814

      Posted

      Thanks for your response. It really is a hard decision for me. Since I am scare of the side effect I also worry about too late to have the treatment. It is difficult to weight the risk and the benefit. If I have pain now, it may be easier for me to make a decision.
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