I had injured my back(si joint), I also had a pain in the thoracic vertebrae, then fatigued, followed weeks later with joint pain, feet, ankles, toes,knees, I even felt achy muscles. The si joint and thoracic injuries were inflamed which is taking its time to go away. I am seeing a chiro and PT. So two weeks ago I went to my Family Dr complaining of joint pain, fatigue etc. He sent me for bloodwork, RF came back at 28 all others were normal. Today I seen him, he is sending me to a rhuemy, He didn't seem to concerned, he said most ra patients have a rf of 70-80, but agreed to send me to a rhuemy. what do you think?
Q: I saw my family Dr today my RF was 28, is that an indicator or is that low for RA.
Answers (4)
8/31/09 11:22pm
To better understand the various blood tests for RA, check out a Q&A we did with a rheumatologist about the topic here. Approximately 20% of people who have RA are what is called seronegative, which means their RA Factor is negative. Some doctors don't know this and some are not prepared to diagnose RA in the absence of positive lab results. Check out our section on the basics of RA and if you feel that information in their applies to you, bought the rheumatologist says you don't have the disease, don't give up. Keep seeing doctors - sometimes, RA can be difficult to diagnose in the beginning.
Good luck!
8/29/09 6:49am
I don't know the ranges of the test he used but the test we used @ our lab, 14 was positive. Anything above that was usually considered positive. Do you know what your SED rate was? This test measures inflammation in your body. If it is elevated too, then you would be considered to have RA in our clinic. A sure fire way to know is if low doses of prednisone helps you, you have it. High doses would make anybody feel good but lower doses in an RA positive pt' usually helps. Did your PCP put you on any prednisone until you can get in to see the rheumatologist? Only your Rheumy will know for sure and if he/she says you do, make sure you are happy with him & his staff because you will be seeing this type of doctor for the rest of your life. Also make sure that she is aggresive with treatment because all the new meds can change your life for the better and help stop deformities before they start. Just 10 years ago most of us ended up " crippled" {i hate that word} but with all the newer meds, we can stay active & relatively pain free. Good luck & think positive--it helps!
8/29/09 4:05pm
It depends on the test methods but many use anything above 14 as being a high RF. However, blood tests are only one of 7 criteria used to diagnose RA. Having four of the seven critieria gives a diagnosis and positive blood tests are not required.
http://www.rheumatology.org/publications/classification/ra/ra.asp?aud=mem
In fact, 30-40% of people with RA, including me, don't have positive blood tests. Some call this "seronegative."
http://rawarrior.blogspot.com/2009/08/blood-tests-for-rheumatoid-arthritis.html
Sounds like you have many of the symptoms. You might keep a journal of your symptoms and take them with you to the rheumatologist. Also arm yourself with knowledge about the diagnosis criteria.
I hope you get relief and treatment soon.
9/ 1/09 4:39pm
I was diagnosed in June of 2008, at that time my RA Factor was 252. It took months of trying different medications but I finally found it 13 weeks ago (I give myself weekly injections of Enbrel) and I feel like my old self again. I'm 42 years old, commute 2 hours a day back and forth to work, play league tennis, work in my yard all weekend every weekend, have a 14 year old that's involved in sports, and have a grandbaby on the way. I feel so blessed!! I hope you find relief............
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By Kays Rhue-MA— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 08/27/09
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Thanks so much for the reply, It might take some time to get my rhuemy appt., I will stay positive thanks again, will post when I learn anything new from my rhuemy.