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Posted 1/18/2011 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone here had low positive ANA and Rheumatoid Factor? I have both and my GP thinks it's normal. Does anyone have an opinion on this subject?
Posted 1/18/2011 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
I know someone can have a positive ANA and that can be normal, but I don't know about the Rheumatiod Factor. And having both with fibro, I think I would be confused too. Sorry, I'm not much help.
Posted 1/18/2011 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Missmissy, positive bloodwork may not mean anything by itself. Clinical symptoms play a big part of a diagnosis.

I have a negative ANA and sero negative rheumatiod factor, but present
with all the clinical symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease. I do
have positive RNP.

Joint swelling, lesions, skin tightening, rashes, Raynauds, biopsies, along with many other symptoms confirmed my diagnosis.

Getting a diagnosis is a waiting game. Although it is frustrating, the wait is worth getting the right treatment.

Good luck to you!

Hugs, Robin :-)
Posted 1/19/2011 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, that's me. I've had 2 positive ANA tests and a positive RF one too. All were low positive so my rheumatologist ordered more specific tests. ds/DNA was one that came back positive (mildly) too, and I can't remember the other.. anyway, the more specific ones were negative, but towards the top of the scale for negative range.

Based on the last 2 tests, he says no to Lupus and Vasculitis, despite suspecting either or both. RA specific test was negative too (my mom has RA). He attributes most of my symptoms to FMS instead.
Posted 1/19/2011 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

A person can have test postive for the Rheumatoid Factor and have no other signs of RA.  They can also test negative for the factor but have all the clinical signs of RA and be diagnosed with RA.  A diagnosis of RA is not dependent on blood tests alone.  Doctors look for bilateral swelling of joints for more than two months, and other clinical symptoms as well as medical history before they diagnose RA.  Some people have seronegative RA, and their blood tests are all "normal".  It usually takes a while for a diagnois of RA to me made. 

Hope this helps,

V

Posted 1/19/2011 7:36 AM (GMT 0)
1 in 5 people with RA have Fibromyalgia, so to be RF positive with Fibromyalgia is statistically significant and I would think that steps need to be taken to confirm or disprove a dx of RA. If some of your Fibromyalgia symptoms are actually explained by RA, then this means that DMARDs like Methotrexate will help and it opens up a whole avenue of new treatment options.

Another reason I say it needs to be considered closely is that RA is degenerative, whereas Fibromyalgia is not - so treatment is absolutely necessary for long-term health stability. That said, as other people have pointed out it is not uncommon for healthy people to have ANA/RF. I believe less-so for ANA, and it is even less likely for both (I think, I don't have any evidence for this but you'd logically expect this to be the case). Of course the converse is true, RA (or PsA, not sure which) runs in my family but just about everyone with it has normal ANA, Sed and RF blood work up.

I think the best advice would be to investigate further, but not to worry as the pressures of RA is nothing new to someone who lives with Fibromyalgia, and it is extremely treatable, with a myriad of treatment options.
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