Rheumatoid arthritis?

Question

So i had bloodwork done this past week and picked up the results from the records office… i don’t go back to my dr til the 16th and she won’t discuss the results with me til then
My question is this
Do these results point to early stages of RA?
The pain in my joints just started 3-4 months ago
And these were the first tests run

I’m honestly just trying to prepare myself for what my dr will say because she is a family dr…
But i just wanted the opinion of people who actually have it as i am always tired and feel weak and my ankles,knees,wrists, elbows and hands hurt all the time and a lump has formed on a joint of my pinkie

ANa -positive
ANa titer- 1:80
Pattern-homogeneous

RAlab- 15 IU/mL


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Jscott1987 2018-10-08T03:27:59+00:00 1 Answer 365 views
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Answer ( 1 )

  1. Dr Albana Greca
    0
    2018-10-09T18:35:52+00:00
    Reply

    Hello back dear Jessica,

    I have gone through the lab results you sent in and my answer is as following:
    – yes, your ANA is positive but low in titer.
    – your rheumatoid factor is also positive high.

    Generally speaking, positive ANA means that your body is producing antibodies and attacking itself. Usually, this happens when and underlying autoimmune disease is present as in case of rheumatoid arthritis.

    To diagnose RA, we usually base on :
    – clinical symptoms
    – RF
    – ANA
    – CRP and sedimentation rate

    So, if you have ANA positive, although in low titer, positve RF but normal CRP, and I do not have any information regarding if you have been taking any medication so far?

    If you have been feeling some joint pain starting from some months so far, then, most probably rheumatoid arthritis.

    You should ask your doctor :
    – do I need to run some other tests to confirm Rheumatoid arthritis? For example Cyclic citrullinated peptid (CCP)?
    – do I need to run some x-ray studies especially on the painful joints?
    – What treatment is most appropriate for you: methotraxate straight away or biologics that are given by injection?
    – For how long to get treatment? When will be the next re-evaluation (follow up)

    You might need only some anti-inflammatory drugs, however, your rheumatologist will evaluate your case better depending on physical examination.

    All the best. Let me know if you have any other concern.
    Dr.Albana

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