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Date: 02.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Newll diagnosed, waithing for a referral

Hi. I'm a 47yr old, self-employed, mum of 4 and I've just been told by my doctor that I have RA. She said my blood test results showed an RF reading of over 300, but I was too much in shock to ask for a explanation. Can anyone tell me what a blood test result of over 300 means? What is a normal range?
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Date: 03.03.2015
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Newll diagnosed, waithing for a referral

hi Janice , welcome to the forum , the rheumatiod factor results is not that important apart from if you are having joint problems with positive RF there is a good chance its RA , does make it easier to get some drugs which they dont give out to people with negitive RF

you can have positive RF & still not have RA , what you need is to be refered to a consultant who will confirm its RA & start you on the drugs needed to control it

alot of people thier RA is controled very well so dont worry to much , in the link section above you will find links to Arthritis Care , National Rheumatiod Arthritis Society & Arthritis Research UK , they have loads of information & the first two have free helplines if you need them
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Date: 03.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Re: Newll diagnosed, waithing for a referral

Hi Colin. Thank you so much for your reply. Your info has been very comforting.

I'm a cake maker and childrens' entertainer by profession (yes, 2 jobs!), and the pains in my wrists have made work excruciating. I've been allowing the constant pain to get me down. Especially in the mornings, as that's when my toes hurt the most. This whole thing has happened very suddenly for me, just since New Year, and I'm having difficulty coming to terms with it.

It's great to know I'm not alone.

Thanks again.
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Date: 03.03.2015
From: lucy

Subject: Re: Newll diagnosed, waithing for a referral

Hi Janice, I was diagnosed with RA at 47 (now 61) I agree with Colin and hope that your doctor has referred you to a rheumatologist. When you are on the right drugs they can make you feel so much better. It is quite common for the toes to hurt at the beginning with RA so it is important that you can referred quickly. x
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Date: 03.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Re: Newll diagnosed, waithing for a referral

Thank you, Lucy. That's reassuring to hear. When I was diagnosed (on Monday) I thought I had to face the rest of my life with this pain. I'm no wimp, but you can't help but let it get you down.
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