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Date: 02.04.2014
From: Karen

Subject: Confused...blood work

Hi there
I know that RA is not diagnosed on blood work alone but can anyone shed some light?
I have a RF of 20.5... 2 years ago it was 10.

I have been experiencing joint swelling.
However, my anti ccp test, CRP test and full blood count are all normal.

Is it possible to have an elevated RF but normal Anti CCP and not have RA?

Thanks!
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Date: 02.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Confused...blood work

Yes it is Karen.
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Date: 02.04.2014
From: Karen

Subject: Re: Confused...blood work

Thanks rhona...if I did have RA would the anti ccp most likely be positive considering the RF is?

Thanks
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Date: 02.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Confused...blood work

Hi Karen, I read online that according to The American College of Rheumatology CCP Antibodies can be detected in 50-60% of patients with early RA and when anti-CCP is positive in early RA then persons may develop a more erosive disease.

Have you been to a rheumatologist yet? If not it may be an idea to get referred to one and see what they say if you are having symtoms of RA. Some people have an elevated RA factor and never develop RA.
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Date: 06.04.2014
From: Karen

Subject: Re: Confused...blood work

Hi rhona
Yes I have been referred and am already on sulfazine.
What started out as finger and knee swelling seems to have rapidly progressed and now my elbows feel painful and my arms and legs feel weak.. Not so much stiff but achy..

As I mentioned all my bloods are ok apart from elevated RA.

Does this sound like RA? I have been told it is a type of RA..
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Date: 06.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Confused...blood work

Hi Karen,

When the blood tests are not conclusive they sometimes make a clinical diagnosis.

RA usually causes stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or when you have been sitting for a while. It is a very variable disease and some people can have it very mild and others much more severely. There are many different types of inflammatory arthritis and sulphasalazine is prescribed for more than just RA.

If you find the sulphasalazine helps you then I would think you have some form of inflammatory arthritis but whether it's RA I couldn't really say.
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