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Posted 12/9/2010 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I have only just started to catch up on everything going on here and reply to a few posts in the last couple of days, but I wanted to say hi to everyone and give you all my update.  Fibrofog stole my password so I was having troubles logging in...and well, I've been too depressed to talk or even think about fibro anyways.

I saw the rheumy again last week who did the anti-CPP bloodwork to try to see if I do in fact have RA.  My factor was a bit high, but not extremely so that's why he decided to do the test.  Anyways, the bloodwork results are completely out of whack and he's not sure what it means.  I'm not sure if anyone knows what these #'s mean, so if you could shed some light on it for me, I would be truly grateful!

IgG : 174 (normal range is between 0 - 16)

IgA : 9 (normal range is between 0 - 6)

IgM : 90 (normal range is between 0 -14)

I know that the tests are done to see severity of RA, but he still didn't sound convinced that I do have RA as I was only slightly above normal.  I have no joint swelling, but I have all the pain.  He did mention that these #'s could mean an auto-immune disorder such as lupus but it doesn't seem like they will investigate further at this point.  He wants to do a repeat of the bloodwork in 6 months to see if the numbers change.  Seems like a long time to wait...

Other than that, I'm feeling less tired since starting the B12 and D vitamins.  I hate going outside...it's - 20 and my bones ache so bad when I get cold.

Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy post.

Hugs,

Krista

Posted 12/9/2010 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
from the numbers it sounds like you have some sort of inflammatory process going on but thats very generic so its hard to know whats causing it. fibro could cause it but so could lupus and a million other things. RA doesnt normally cause it though without also causing joint swelling. but you could be presenting abnormally.

i understand exactly how you feel. i present abnormally for everything so its really hard chasing down a diagnosis for me. plus fibro does make your joints hurt so its possible its just that... my left knee hurts so bad all the time they informed me when i was 19 that i must have osteoarthritis even though no xrays showed evidence of it bc my blood work for RA was normal! LOL come to find out i had fibro that whole time and it was just causing unbearable knee pain. ugh

i find that taking vitamin B helps me alot too. i hope you start feeling better soon!
Posted 12/9/2010 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Shannon, and again welcome! Aren't we lucky you have found us and can help make sense of all this medical jargon! I look forward to reading more posts from you! :)
Posted 12/9/2010 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
If your numbers suggest possible auto-immune problems then you need to have more testing done to rule those out.  You don't just "hang" there wondering!  You need to get illnesses ruled out so you know what you are dealing with.  Check out What Else Could It Be on Fibro 101.  These need to be ruled out because they can be treated and SHOULD be treated.  Guesswork doesn't work.  If your doctor isn't willing, then I think I'd find another doctor.

 

I'm so sorry you are having these problems.  It's bad enough dealing with illness but not knowing what illness it is has to be frustrating and depressing.  That makes the pain worse.  Try to take one day at a time and KNOW that they will find the answers.  Be persistant and don't give up until you know what is going on with you.  That's only fair to expect from your doctor.

 

Sherrine

Posted 12/9/2010 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Krista, I dont think I would want to wait a whole 6 months to redo these blood tests. Is there anyway to get in with a rhuematologist. They should be able to help you figure all this out in less than 6 months. I will be praying that you have answers soon.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 12/9/2010 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherrine and Shirley...it is the rheumy who is telling me he will see me in 6 months to re-do the bloodwork. My family dr has no idea...now she's just going with what the rheumy says. See, that's how our "free" health care system works here in Canada...you get what you pay for which is a big fat 0 service! If my dr was to refer me to another rheumy, I'd be looking at another year long waiting list! It's really bad here...

It's pretty scary, because when I google it, these abnormal results could be an auto-immune disease like lupus (which is probably what it is-my mother has lupus), or could be something more life-threatening, like leukemia. But you are absolutely right Sherrine, this not knowing is driving me crazy! I'm going to go see a naturopath next week and I'm hoping that they can help me figure out some stuff...

Thanks for your support and prayers!

Hugs,
Krista
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