Rheumatoid Factor and Lupus?

Hey everyone!

Wow it has been a long time since I've posted on here! Glad to see that this site is still doing well and helping others. I am in the process of switching from my pediatric rheumatologist (I'm 20 now) to an adult Rheumy. For the referral my primary requested me to do some bloodwork and I noticed that my Rheumatoid Factor was rather high. My RF was 247 when the normal range is 0-13. I wasn't sure if I should post this in the Lupus or RA form but I wanted to see what other lupies thought since I don't know how long I'll be without a dr.

Lately my joints have been super sensitive. Joint pain has always been one of my main problems. They hurt whenever I bang them against anything slightly, numbness in hands while sleeping, and recently I started to have severe cramping/spasms in my hands and feet. These are all symptoms I've had before but recently they have been getting progressively worse. I have also been bruising easier, but my blood counts are normal.

My IgG levels were also quite high (2160) That is also normal with lupus right?

Samantha

Fortunately, a rheumotologist is the expert on both Lupus and RA! I would try to find one sooner rather than later, especially because of your recent changes in symptoms. My guess would be RA is bothering you, but you really need a full screening by a rheumy to figure out how best to approach things.

Let us know how it goes!