CRP Archives | Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior

Rheumatoid Arthritis CRP Levels

Why look at rheumatoid arthritis CRP levels? C-reactive protein, commonly called CRP, is a protein that can be produced by the liver in response to other immune activity, especially the increase of IL-6. CRP can rise quickly in response to many inflammatory conditions such as infections or injury, helping clear out dying cells or bacteria. Blood tests for...Continue reading      26 Comments » Read more

Inflammation and Thomas the Tank Engine

Today, my Roo is six years old. Saturday, I went shopping with Mary Khris to buy supplies to create a little Thomas the Tank Engine party. Since I can’t draw characters with icing any more, we look for ways things can be used creatively. I found some lightweight rubber train engines (actually bath toys!) that we...Continue reading      37 Comments » Read more

Using CRP in Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials

To people with an incurable disease, clinical trials signify the possibility of a cure. Perhaps my suffering will end one day. Someone is looking for answers. Someday my prince will come. Research matters to patients Most patients I know read with interest headlines about their disease. They trust medications that have been recommended to them because of effectiveness...Continue reading      47 Comments » Read more

The Beginning of an RA Clinical Trial Journey

An RA clinical trial coordinator tests my talents I’ve always had some special talents. Like …making things look easy …making strangers smile ...keeping secrets. More superpowers? Sometimes, I can make everyone mad at once…with a clear conscience …and everyone’s best interest at heart. It’s not easy, but I manage. My most special skill? Just look at the genius...Continue reading      30 Comments » Read more

Evidence and Truth: WTF (Where’s the Fact?)

Inconsistency bothers me. When I’m interviewed, I answer that I wanted to build this website because there is so much “wrong” information about Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Too many common generalizations are actually incorrect. Truth about RA can be hard to find. Maybe this is an explanation in part. I read something amazing today on The Scientist: Evidence:...Continue reading      24 Comments » Read more

All I Want for Christmas Is My CRP

I thought I’d finally gotten out of Rheumatoid Arthritis / CRP purgatory, but I was wrong. I got an early Christmas present after I got back from the ACR meeting, I got a certified letter from my rheum doc. It said I couldn’t have any more Actemra infusions because my insurance company would not pay properly. It...Continue reading      35 Comments » Read more

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis Damage?

The sabre rattling of Rheumatoid Arthritis damage Do you ever look down at the invisible stabbing pain and wonder what’s going on inside your joints? Do you wonder whether damage is occurring when you feel your joints sticking or twisting or popping? Or red or puffy? What exactly causes Rheumatoid Arthritis damage? Over the years, some have...Continue reading      26 Comments » Read more

Are Fibromyalgia Wars & Rheumatoid Arthritis Related?

This past weekend, I spent several hours catching up on what’s called the “Fibromyalgia Wars.” Many Rheumatoid Arthritis patients do state that they have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This is the first post on Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior on the topic of fibromyalgia. Deep breath.  What are Fibromyalgia Wars? There is argument from a number of doctors...Continue reading      118 Comments » Read more

Rheumatoid Factor Test: Should We Rely on Rheumatoid Factor Levels?

The Rheumatoid factor test is not the only way to diagnose RA It can be frustrating to read about the different ways that people interpret a Rheumatoid factor test. It seems there are still some doctors who think Rheumatoid factor levels are sufficient to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you meet an RA specialist like that, I...Continue reading      37 Comments » Read more

American College of Rheumatology Redefines Rheumatoid Arthritis, Part 3

Will the enthusiasm of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients be short-lived? Reactions have varied to the new diagnosis guidelines which the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) released this week for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Is it good news for RA'ers? People who have Rheumatoid Arthritis often feel such a need for change that any news is good news. But I...Continue reading      21 Comments » Read more

Blood Tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis, part 2

Many people with active RA have “normal” test results In my last post, I posed the question: Is There a Blood Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis? I told you that the answer is yes – and no. I went on to describe the “yes” by summarizing four principal blood tests used in diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now it...Continue reading      79 Comments » Read more

Is there a blood test for Rheumatoid Arthritis? Part 1

Yes and no. There are at least four. But, actually, there is none.  Allow me to explain… Do the Rheumatoid Arthritis tests pass the tests? What are the tests? 1) Rheumatoid Factor (RF) For the last few decades, Rheumatologists have relied heavily enough upon the Rheumatoid factor test that it is part of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)...Continue reading      38 Comments » Read more
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