HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Help!

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/10/2022 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I just received an email from my Dr. that I have a Rheumatoid factor or 36.5. No further instructions just asking if I want to see a rheumatologist. I've started reading what I can about RA but it's very scary. Are there any highly recommended places for diagnosis and treatment in Pa.? I'm worried this is going to shorten my life drastically.
Any advice or information is appreciated.
Posted 1/10/2022 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Staceyy, that was not a very good email from your dr, this is something he should have called you about so you could have asked some questions.

I understand your are scared, however, phone or email your dr & ask him to refer you to a rheumatologist for a consult. Even though your number is elevated, it does not mean you have RA. This is where a rheumatologist comes into play to run the appropriate tests to determine what is going on. One test is not used to make a diagnosis for RA.

In the meantime, push for a consult & stay off the internet looking that will only kick your stress level up. IF, you get diagnosed with RA, there is plenty of treatments available to handle the disease.

Take care.
Posted 1/11/2022 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply. I did speak to my Dr. She said I could get an appointment to see a specialist but there’s a 6 month wait. So I’ll see if I can find another office who can see me sooner.
Posted 6/11/2022 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Stacyy.

Finding a Rheumatologist is getting harder, and the wait time is increasing. You may have better luck contacting the different RA docs near you and asking if they're accepting new patients. Due to most doctors being overloaded with patients, a six-month wait is pretty normal.
I know having RA seems scary, but with the proper meds it is very controllable.
I've had severe RA for 20 years and have lived a normal life with it. I would be happy to answer any concerns you have, if I can.
Posted 6/13/2022 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stacy:
I am new to this forum and I've had RA for 6 years. I too was very scared at first and didn't know what was happening to me until I saw a Rheumatologist and got diagnosed with RA. I was first put on Prednisone. Then I was put on Methotrexate (this is chemo and it made me very nauseous, even the shots so I told my doctor I would not take it anymore.) I was on Enbrel Pen until a couple of months ago and only had 1 flare-up in 6 years, then my doctor put me on Humira Pen. I've already had one flare-up on Humira and as soon as I get back home in July, I am asking him to put me back on Enbrel. There are lots of meds out there that deal with RA but you MUST SEE A RHEUMATOLOGIST AS SOON AS YOU CAN. RA affects different people in different ways but only a Rheumatologist should run your tests and he will know your diagnosis and what meds are good for you. My RA affects my joints and on top of that I have fibromyalgia. Double whammy. Do not despair, you will feel better as soon as you are put on a regime. If I can help, let me know.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply