Elevated Rheumatoid Factor?

[bncrump]

Hi...I am not a regular on this forum but thought that someone may be able to give me some answers.

I have been suffering from severe joint pain for the past 3 weeks, moderate/mild joint pain for about 8 months. In Sept my RF was 28 and 2 weeks ago, it was 31. Not much of an increase.

I have a history of autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's/hypothyroid) and elevated ANA. Family history of Lupus and RA.

Rheumy started me on Mobic and I had no relief from symptoms. Doubled the dose, no relief still just severe nausea. I have never had any swelling in my joints. Tramadol works for pain.

I have orders for x-rays of my hand and foot.

Is this RA? Neurologist (and I) are leaning towards Lyme Disease. I have probably had this for about 10 years. Could something else make the RF positive?

Thank you so much for any input you may have. This has been a rough couple of weeks and I would really, really love to start feeling better.

Thanks!

[techzit]

Did they test your CCP? CCP is much more specific for RA and if both RA Factor and CCP are positive there is a 99% chance it is RA.

I'm in a very similar boat and am trying to decide whether or not to start meds. My joint pain is mild and has been going on for about 5 months. All other blood work except RA factor is normal.

Please keep us posted on your status.

[txsilver]

Hi, sorry you are going through this.  Yes, RA can be elevated when you have something else or, you could have RA, just not a lot of antibodies.  My RA factor is about the same level as yours.  The only way they could find inflammation in my joints was a bone and joint scan.  No damage showed up on xrays and nothing showed up on a regular MRI.  
You mention joint pain for 3 weeks but state you think you have Lyme and that it may go back 10 years.  While Lyme is a definite possibility, have you had joint pain off and on all this time?  Have you seen an infectious disease doctor or a rheumatologist?