RA Factor #? Is there a magic number that leads to a dx of RA?

Hi sf liv and welcome to the RA forum

Im not sure about your bloodworks.

When I was diagnosed it was through scans and x-rays that my Rheumy ordered.

Have you been referred to a Rheumy yet? I would push for that so that you can have the appropriate tests run to confirm a diagnosis.  Most of the meds for RA are used for IBD, maybe you are taking meds already that may help (just guessing here ).

Hope someone comes along that knows more about bloodworks than I do

Please let us know how you go with your Dr.s appt.

Jo

Thanks! I have a rheumy...but I haven't seen him in almost 3 years (I keep waiting to lose weight before I go back). And I thought that if I didn't think about being sick, I would improve... Silly, I know, and so I will face the music and make the appointment. He initially suspected Wegeners, then valculities then uctd, lupus ... and finally when he couldn't quite figure it out he added fibro. My blood work is always a little bit "off" in several areas. My primary physician is the one who first dx'd me with an "auto immune" not yet know; hence, the UCTD. The amyltriptyne that I take for the fibro also helps the u.c. I've noticed some big changes recently, mainly with sore joins and extreme fatigue. I've had very sore hands for quite a while and even the tops of my hands hurt. The tiny bones on the top of my right foot have been bothering me for a few months, and then last week the bottoms of both my feet became very red and sore and stiff. errg Overshare, I know, thanks for listening.

I hope everyone finds some peace this year

I used to go to the doctor when I thought something was wrong, but like Jo in the last few years, I tend not to go unless I really have too.  My RA started out with a horrid stomach virus (I was a teacher of young children) and two weeks later I had knee pain, and it just progressed from there.  I do agree that once you have an autoimmune, there are others lurking.  I began to have difficulties and was diagnosed with POF, and ended up with the ovaries of a 50 year old women in my early 30's. At this point, I now also have the GI issues, and have noticed the time or two that I have had prednisone on hand, it clears up those issues.  So it is inflammation of some kind.  It seems the inflammation just kind of takes over! Now anytime I have pain somewhere, I figure it's inflammation

I hope you find some relief and that your rheumy is kind and helpful.  Please don't apologize for "sharing" that is why we are all here, to share and help one another.

Feel better soon!

Hi Liv,

Gee thats a lot of people in your family who have IBD - your sister, cousin and yourself!

Im hoping Im the only one to get it in my family - wouldnt wish it on anyone

Im glad you have your UC under control, hopefully you can find the right med for your RA and be painfree

Let us know how you are doing and when your Rheumy appt. is.

Take care

Jo

I have to agree with the others, blood results aren't enough to diagnose RA, its all symptoms based and x rays help. I started off as seronegative athritis and moved into RA as the years have gone by and my inflammatory factor went through the roof.

But I met someone recently who has no inflammation just pain! It seems this disease affects everyone differently.
Rheumy's must see such a variety of symptoms. Mine was saying some people just have one symptom like tenosynovitis in the wrists and thats it. So a huge variety of auto immune responses.

Go and see your rheumy. They have more knowledge and hopefully will sort you out, sounds as if you may need to set up ashared care plan, so all your specialists can talk to each other about their combined treatment.

Goodluck, golitho