Comments on: How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed? Part 1

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:19:17 +0000

Deven, to read more about tests, you can click on the Tag on the tagslist for “RA Tests” – it takes you to this link.
You should expect an anti-CCP test and many docs do x-rays or mri to look for damage. Damage does not always show up w/those early though. Some docs also do ultrasound, but that is not failproof either. They’ll do a crp & sed rate, but those are only elevated in a percentage of patients because of genetics. The most important thing is the physical – doc should feel for any inflammation that is not detectable visibly & ask you about pain, stiffness, weakness, fevers, fatigue – all RA symptoms. I hope this helps. Good luck to you. Oh, & also, click on RA Map on the top menu. Then you can click on any letter to find more information for recent /early diagnosed w/ RA. I hope it helps. Asking lots of questions is the right thing to do.

By: Deven

Deven — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:03:42 +0000

I’ve had strange symptoms for a few years now with the hands, feet, knees, elbows, morning stiffness for a year now. (also back/neck/shoulder pain that may or may not be related to disc issues in the low back and my disc replacement in the c5/6)

I’ve had a few blood tests done since July. My RF is always slightly elevated (22) with the other sed, etc.- normal.

This isn’t getting better, in fact, month by month, I feel worse and have more issue keeping up with my kids, going to the gym, etc. (not to mention the being able to use my hands)

My RF was 22 about six months ago and last week it was 28. (with everything else normal except a low vitamin d)

I do not have a diagnosis yet and am due to see my Rheumatologist in May. I keep reading early diagnosis is best. I want to start treatment asap because I start a full-time job with lots of walking in the fall. I know I’ll be worthless at home if I don’t figure out what is wrong and that scares me (i have two small kids).

What other tests can I convince my doctor to complete? (and should I try to see her sooner) I am lucky, btw– she does listen very well.

By: nina trejo

nina trejo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:29:21 +0000

I AGREE.I HAD TO COAX MY RA TO DIAGNOSE ME,AND ASKED HIM AREN,T YOU GOING TO GIVE ME A MEDICATION? WELL YES HE SAID TAKE PLAQUINOL.HE SUCKS.HE’S SUPPOSED TO BE THE BEST HERE.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:59:56 +0000

Hi Aimee,
Thanks for your comments. I saw your cute pictures. Love the snow!

It does sound like a typical RA pattern, so I am glad you are seeing a rheumatologist. Yes, I agree the meds are scary. For me, I am just more scared of the RA.

By: Aimee

Aimee — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:53:29 +0000

I have had RA symptoms for 2 1/2 years and my official diagnosis is still "indeterminate rheumatism". My Rf and ANA tests are negative, though my sed rate is above normal. Not sure if my doctor tested my anti-CPP back in Jan but I'm going to ask.

My symptoms came on suddenly and severely just after I delivered my twins (my first pregnancy). I thought the pain and stiffness was all in my head until I finally saw my GP after 6 months and he put me on a steroid that made my body feel better than it ever has. I now take Plaquenil and most of my symptoms have subsided except for an occasional flare-up in the hands and sometimes my feet and elbows, and of course, the fatigue.

I'm frustrated with my rheumatologist for not giving me an official diagnosis and am scared that taking the Plaquenil and NSAIDS are going to damage my eyes and liver over time. Or that my arthritis will worsen and become debilitating.

Anyway, thanks for writing this blog. It helps to have all this information and to know you're not alone in this disease.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:20:03 +0000

I am not a dr, Miss D,
but I know that if you have an RA diagnosis, then you should be treated.
If the RA is "aggressive,"
it is my opinion that the treatment should also be aggressive. High results in these tests do often correlate with "aggressive" RA, but it's still not that simple. Your physical condition is the main evidence to the dr. of your RA treatment needs.

By: MissDazey

MissDazey — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:07:42 +0000

I am not smart enough to understand any or all of this. Question, does your treatment depend on which of these tests are taken and the results?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:29:53 +0000

Mallen,
You are not alone. Hope you have found a good dr. See you on twitter.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:21:19 +0000

Hi Kim,
Thanks for your smart comment. I am sorry if I was unclear. This is a large and complex topic (diagnosis) which I have been studying for a long time. Maybe trying to condense the topic to a single post was not the best decision. I will try to be more specific about both my opinions and the facts when I write How is RA Diagnosed, Part 2. Very briefly, though, I was not suggesting that either test be used alone or even given preference. IMVHO, we ought to use both of them and whatever else can be found. I am glad this blog has such a bright group of readers/commenters which will keep me on my toes.

Here’s a link for anyone who wants to read more about the sensitivity / specificity distinction

By: mallen

mallen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:04:58 +0000

I'm still confusing my rheumy. After some visits, he says things like "I don't know" and after others he says "you definately have it". I just wish there was one test I could take that would give me a definate answer. I have had signs of RA for years and after three doctors I finally had a dianogis (sort of).

mereallen on twitter