Sign in

or Register now

MyRACentral.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Sunday, November, 22, 2009
  • Font size
Receive a FREE Osteoarthritis of the knee pamphlet.  Start here.

(No addihmal tests positive for RA) So what does that mean do I have it or not?

Donna
10/04/09
Donna
Topics:RA

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?

Answer This
Answers (1)
Ellen
Ellen
Close
Ellen is back at my desk -
BA-Music, MM-Music Theory, married with 1 daughter, 25...

58 years old, love to listen to music, travel with my husband (rare...

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

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?

 

re: (No addihmal tests positive for RA) So what does that mean do I have it or not?
Donna
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 02:20 PM

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"

Reply
re: re: (No addihmal tests positive for RA) So what does that mean do I have it or not?
Ellen
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 03:39 PM

OK - so, what were the results of the rheumatoid factor test?  Do you have a number, or an answer from the doctor?

 

Reply
re: re: re: (No addihmal tests positive for RA) So what does that mean do I have it or not?
Donna
Friday, October 09, 2009 at 08:39 AM

Yes, it said positive 11  out of 14. 

Reply
Answer This

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (1951) >

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save