What do the levels of RA factor mean?
Thanks for all of the recommendations to see the rheumatologist. I do have a referral from my doctor to see him and she has talked to him about my condition which on initial conversation with my GP he believes it is probably rheumatoid. What I don't know is what the numbers mean exactly other than they "are not normal". My CCP was positive and my RA factor was 237 (which I know normal is under 20). From everything I've read it seems having a number that high tends to represent a more aggressive form, is this true? I will hopefully see the rheumatologist soon but until then I'm looking for as many answers as possible seeing as it's usually diagnosed between 40-50 and I'm only 26. Thanks.
Hi Coming-
RA is usually diagnosed between 30 and 50 , but not too rare in the 20's.
The numbers just mean it is probably RA. It is possible to have high numbers and not have bad sypmtoms. However, like you heard, it often does correlate with aggressive RA. What all that means to you? Get treated soon. And you are.
You are so right about asking lots of questions. It is so important. I want to encourage you to keep reading! :D I have written an article called RA Requires disease control and pain control , I think. you can read it here.
Good luck to you,
Kelly 
- Thank you for your input
- Ranked Helpful (2)
- Report Abuse
The specifics about what the numbers in a blood test mean are little out of the scope of expertise of the people who answer questions here - none of us are doctors, but answer based on our own experiences. However, we recently interviewed a doctor regarding blood tests, numbers and what it all means and you can read that here.
- Thank you for your input
- Ranked Helpful (2)
- Report Abuse
I was 24 when I was first diagnoised with SLE (Lupus). My ANA was positive as well as my RA. Within the past 6 months, I change Primary Care doctor's and he did a full work up of blood tests. I have been suffering with a severely low platelet count. When I returned for a follow up visit, he explained to me that my RA factor was 320 and 20 was normal. My joints constantly ache. It's to the point now that I don't think that I will be able to work. I think it will be a tremendous hassle to try and get disability. Please let us know what your doctor said.
-
- Ranked Helpful (2)
- Report Abuse
ComingToGripsWithRA
Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Well, I did see my Rheumy in early July and because it's still early, I was in a bit of a remission when I saw him so he couldn't make a defniitive diagnosis. But he does believe it's RA he just can't say how bad it could get. He did, however, say that with my RA factor being over 200 it does tend to mean it will be a more agressive RA. He sent me for more blood tests to rule out other possibilities but tends not to share the results so I'll check into that when I see him again in January (he wants to see me every 6 months for now). Once I started taking Naproxen and Plaquenil it made a difference. The pain seems to primarily stay in my smaller joints but for longer periods of time. For example, it's been in my right index finger for almost 2 months now. When my larger joints are sore, it's not as severe and doesn't last as long although the fatigue gets the best of me some days. I missed a morning dose of my meds on two separate occasions and between the pain and fatigue, I paid for that mistake for two days after! I am able to do most things but I try to keep a level head about not lifting things that are too heavy and I take the elevator rather than the stairs when my feet and toes are sore. I find if I push through the pain it only makes it worse so I'm still learning to be sensible about it (although it makes me feel lazy).