Wednesday, April 08, 2009 colleen asks

Q: No morning stiffness, etc. My blood work shows positive RF and positive anti CCP antibody.

Lab tests show positive RF and positive anti CCP antibody. I have no clinical symptoms of RA, no morning stiffness, no swelling, fatigue, etc. Went to a rheumatologist who does not want to treat lab results and doesn't believe it's RA (yet) Since a positive a both labs indicate 90percent probability of developing RA should I start treatment without symptoms?

Any have an opinion or similar experience?

Thank you

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Answers (1)
Lisa Emrich, Health Guide
4/ 8/09 8:27pm

Hi Colleen,

 

You may want to read this question/answer which discusses false positive testing.  It's nice that you have a rheumatologist who doesn't want to treat lab results, but is considering you as a whole person.  Without clinical symptoms, it would be difficult to diagnose and treat.  Different autoimmune diseases require different treatments. 

 

However, if you do begin to have symptoms, you will be one step closer to an accurate diagnosis.  And then again, you may end up NOT developing any rheumatic disease.

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By colleen— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 04/08/09