Date: 16.06.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Just tested possitive to RA but i am not sure of how i will progress.
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Date: 16.06.2010
From: sarah
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
hi steve, everyone progresses differently, we are all different, what meds have you been given
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Date: 16.06.2010
From: J
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Also, what test was run? Was it just RF? Or anti ccp?
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Date: 16.06.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
No meds given and it was just RF, thanks for your replies.
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Date: 16.06.2010
From: J
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Don't panic too much just yet. RF can be positive in healthy people! It's also sometimes elevated due to a recent infection etc. You should have a follow up appointment in some weeks/mponths I prsume? It should be checked again then, as well (hopefull) as your CCP and xrays and so on, which will give a clearer picture. You may be fine!
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
I have an over active thyroid i know that much and i am very low on iron, the doc said the lack of iron could be causing my thyroid problem and my high blood pressure as well as my anxiety attacks i have been having. Hard to believe a lack of iron can cause so many health problems and also he said i may have a virus in my thyroid.
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Also i have osteoarthritis had it for 2 years the pain is severe now and then, when i sit down and when i try to get up is the worst times. Could this be giving me a high RF factor reading?
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: Sally
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
More likely the other way round :) Are you under a rheumatologist? If not, ask for a referral and they will run all the tests etc. My aunt has a thyroid problem, easy to treat with meds.
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Not under a rheumatologist the doctor does not seem worried about it.
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: J
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Also, your rheumatoid factor isn't high. 17IU/ml is within reference range.
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: Sally
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Hi Steve, you can have osteo and inflammatory at the same time. Have you had your knees looked at lately?
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Jane no i have not had my knees looked at but i think i will, do i need xrays?
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Date: 17.06.2010
From: steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Sorry sally i mean not jane.
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Date: 18.06.2010
From: Sally
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
If they are getting worse, definitely. Also, think they can tell difference between osteo and RA from x-ray. Ask for a referral to a rheumatologist - they can investigate. I find it slightly worrying that your GP isn't worried about your RF and bad knees as the sooner you get treatment for RA the better. You may not need treatment now but a rheumatologist would be able to make that decision in a more informed way and also keep an eye on you with regular bloods tests etc.
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Date: 18.06.2010
From: steve
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
My knees are ok the osteoarthritis is im my lower back.
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Date: 18.06.2010
From: J
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Sally, there's no need for the GP to be concerned about the Rheumatoid Factor, as 17 is not high. Above 30 is cause for concern.
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Date: 18.06.2010
From: Sally
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Subject: Re: KIU17/L What does That Mean?
Hi Steve, I misunderstood you - thought it was your knees for some reason. Sorry!
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