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Dont understand my test results

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 1/19/2015 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
sad

Okay I have been going threw excruciating joint & low back pain. Finally a kidney specialist sent me for a RA tests and some other tests
My results came back today as follows:
RA <10.0 Reference (0.0-13.9) IU/ML

I feel like my husband thinks I am faking it, I am in pain for the last 3 months so bad that they drs have me on some heavy pain meds and muscle relaxants. I got these results faxed to me by signing a medical release. I haven't spoke with the Dr yet...can anyone help me with this reading. Also I just turned 49 and the main pain is in my back and right ankle..
Thank you so much
Cynthia
Posted 1/19/2015 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Appears to be within the range of normalcy - meaning it is a negative RA test.

That said there are other seronegative forms of arthritis. Really good information exists at the Spondylitis Association of America. Once there, go to "about Spondylitis" and read the list of symptoms. Might give you an idea of what kind of doctor you need to see - usually a rheumatologist.
Posted 1/21/2015 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
My GP ran all the "normal" RA tests and none of them indicated that I had RA. Blood work from my first visit with my rheumatologist showed Positive Anti-CCP. I was then diagnosed with RA.
Posted 1/22/2015 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
Kim,
That's the test I've been posting about that I finally got the RA dx from my Rheumatologist. Thank you! How are you doin with treatment?
Beth
Posted 1/23/2015 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Beth and all,
Not sure why other's suffering from RA aren't being checked for the Anti-CCP test? That just doesn't make sense. My GP ran the "normal" RA tests and everything was fine. He even commented that I was "unusual" since my rheumatologist found out that I did have RA with the Anti-CCP test after all the usual tests that he'd run for RA.

I wish that I could say everything's working out fine. I've only been diagnosed since 4/14. Since then I've been on Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Prednisone, Cymbalta, Etodolac and Gabapentin. I'm in the process of getting on Humira. Every day I'm sore and have different aches and pains. I've read the posts here and see where there are so many in more pain then me and I pray that I can find an answer soon for myself. I work full time and usually over that. I'm finding that I can't work more than 10 hrs a day for 3 days in a row without calling in sick. Just can't do it right now. I'm hoping that the Humira will help with that. My Rheumatologist says that this is "early stages" but from what I've read if you don't address it in the early stages, it becomes habilitating later.

Anyhow... Like I said I'm going to be starting Humira soon. Nice that the manufacturer makes it affordable for us. It's also really nice that there's a support group out there to talk to.. Kim
Posted 1/23/2015 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kim,
I ran the gambit on all those same drugs with little to no effect, and then was able to start Humira. That was ten years ago! I sure hope you get the same results. I'm not kidding, the relief was almost immediate and although I have had to reconcile that RA has changed my life for good, I am so close to "normal" that no one knows I have it unless I tell them. I almost never miss work, I don't suffer fatigue, my joint damage was reversed, I exercise a lot, and I am able to keep up with my six year old granddaughter (except ice skating...I broke my wrist) nono
I have read posts from people who want to be on TNF blockers and can't afford the co-pays and are resigned to living with the pain. I keep wondering about Nathan's grandma for example. If you read this...I implore you to please try to find an assistance program so you can give it a try. If the medication to keep you from the wheelchair is available it is a crime for cost to keep you from living a life free of pain.
Keep us posted Kim and best wishes!!
Beth
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