Not sure what my tests mean?!?!

 

Hi, I am very new to all this.  Approximately six weeks ago the metatarsal in my left foot swelled, red and very painful...then it was in my right foot.  Two weeks ago I started having severe joint pain in my shoulders and knees and now my hands (the metatarsal joint).  I have been extremely frustrated, exhausted and just depressed.  I am 41 years old and love my life.  Thank God the pain is not always in every joint but it is pretty consistent in the hands and feet.  I finally went to my doctor  and he did all the blood work (ANA, RF, Sed Rate, Inflammatory, Lyme, etc)  He has some of my results but he doesn't want to give me a definite dx until I see the Rheumatologist next week.  I came back positive  for ANA and both the RF tests but, here is why I am confused.  He said even though they were positive they were only slightly positive.  I asked him does this mean I have RA or not?  He said it looks possible but he is still waiting for one more Lupus test to come back.  So, my question is can I be positive and not have RA? and if you have Lupus is your RF factor positive?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

CT Mom

Thanks for replying Elcamino... my doctor is pretty sure that it is RA because both feet and hands are inflamed at the metatarsal but he is waiting on one blood test for Lupus to come back. Like you, I am only slightly positive but I am only 41 (I think that is young). I just want a dx so that I can get some relief. Just typing is difficult and I work in an office and have to wear sneakers because of my feet. Thank you for getting back to me... I am going to look for Erin's posts.

CT Mom

I found it.. and made a new thread about it.. click here.. Hope this helps.. let us know if you have any more questions!