(No addihmal tests positive for RA) So what does that mean do I have it or not?
I had surgery on my finger doctor said I could have RA from his findings in surgery so he sent me to a RA doctor I received a letter back that reads (No addihmal tests positive for RA) So what does that mean do I have it or not?
Could that possibly be "No additional tests positive for RA"?
I would ask the RA doctor for a copy of your test results, and for him to explain what the results mean. It could be that none of the tests were positive for RA, but even that does not mean for SURE that you don't. There is no one test, although anti-CCP antibody test is pretty definitive if it's positive.
Even if the tests are negative right now, that can change in the future. Usually the diagnosis comes from a combination of a clinical exam (doctor examines you) and test results to further confirm, or narrow down, possible diagnoses. Some tests such as ESR (sed rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and C-reactive protein (CRP) give a level of inflammation in the body. ESR above 20 is not normal. CRP above 2 shows some inflammation, and above 10 puts a person at risk for cardiovascular problems (possibly,depending on what's causing the inflammation).
So - if it's VERY early RA, the blood tests may not show it yet. X-rays may or may not show it early. Some people have more specific joint damage, especially in hands (or feet), some have more overall fatigue and pain/swelling. What are your symptoms overall?
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Donna
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Ellen
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Donna
Friday, October 09, 2009 at 08:39 AM












Pain in hands and legs mostly. Early morning stiffness. My family doctor came back with results of RF factor and now this new RA doctor did another blood test and the letter came with the above note. "No additional tests positive for RA"