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Raised rheumatoid factor

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Jan999
Jan999

For about 2 years now I have suffered with a very painful shoulder which the doctor thought could be arthritis or possibly a trapped nerve. I was given anti inflammatories which after 3 days I had to stop due to abdominal pain. Since then I have been taking codeine. I have recently had a blood test that has shown my rheumatoid factor is raised so I have to see my GP next week. Can anyone tell me if this result is a sure sign I have rheumatoid arthritis? Or could it be a sign of something else. The blood test was initially taken to look at my auto immune system because of Raynaud's. Many thanks

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • connie49452
    connie49452 Jan999

    Posted

    It's looking like it could be RA although if you researched the condition you'd find some people have the RA factor without ever developing the disease and some with RA don't have the factor. It's referred to as being seropositive (which I am) or seronegative. I started with a painful shoulder that eventually required surgery. It then started to appear in my feet, then hands & wrists and is now also in my elbows and ankles. I've also started to develop OA (osteoarthritis) in my big toes and knees.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 connie49452

      Posted

      Thank you Connie. I suppose deep down I thought there was a strong possibility I could have RA and in some ways if it is at least I've got a diagnosis and I will get the appropriate treatment. So I'll see what my GP has to say next week.
    • connie49452
      connie49452 Jan999

      Posted

      That's the best way to look at it. It's hard to know what to do until you know what you're dealing with. I'd advise keeping a diary or journal of how you feel and any new changes to your body. If you develop any swelling anywhere try take a pic on your phone or tablet to show your Dr and Rheumatologist when you get a referral... which I'm sure you will. Holt yogurt get on a treatment pathway very soon. Good luck.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 connie49452

      Posted

      Connie you've given me some good advice. Thank you. Keeping a diary is a good idea. Some days (today is one of them) I feel so tired. I'm not sleeping well because of the pain so I've put it down to that but I have read somewhere that RA does make you feel generally unwell at times.

      Will let you know how I get on next week.

    • connie49452
      connie49452 Jan999

      Posted

      Glad I gave you some good idea's. You could even score yourself  on a 1 - 10 basis. 1 being a good, pain free day up to a 10 being the worst day it could be. You get the idea ? The more you can give to the Rheumatologist the better the diagnosis and the better the treatment plan.
  • poemsgalore55
    poemsgalore55 Jan999

    Posted

    This is difficult to answer really connie, as some people who have a positive  Rheumatoid factor don't get RA. Others who have a negative rheumatoid factor (as I do) do get RA. There are a lot of other factors to take into consideration. Your CRP, and ESR need to be checked too. The best thing would be for your GP to refer you to a Rheumatology consultant, then you would get a correct diagnosis.
  • CA-Lynn
    CA-Lynn Jan999

    Posted

    A GP doesn't have sufficient training or experience to treat or monitor this disease. You need to see a board certified rheumatologist. You wouldn't have the British Airways ticket agent fly the plane, would you?
    • Jan999
      Jan999 CA-Lynn

      Posted

      Hello. The GP I initially saw who organised the blood tests has undertaken rheumatology clinics at our large hospital for over 20 years on a monthly basis and it is him I am seeing next week. It has been his speciality for so long I trust him and I know he is likely to refer me. I know in this respect I'm very lucky.
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