RA factor

Hello, I am a 32 yr old female.  I have been having pain in my hands, elbows, hips, shoulders, and wrists.  The left elbow is the most severe.  I recently tested positive for the RA factor.  According to the radiologists, there is not any sign of wear on the joints.  If there isn't any wear on the joints, I am RA positve, and there is still the severe pain, what are the possibilites?  

Also, on the xrays taken there are some darker spots.  The radiologist did not mention them in his report.  Would he have mentioned these spots if there was an issue?  Or would he have just looked for signs of RA, since that was the primary diagnosis?

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Positive RA factor can be elevated in many different conditions, one of which is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The radiologist would look for all abnormalities no matter what the diagnosis the ordering doc was looking for.

No wear on the joints is great!  That's excellent that there's no sign of wear.  The pain sucks.  Many different possible reasons for that.  See a rheumatologist.

[green924]

A related discussion, Several different DX's, but no help... was started.

[green924]

A related discussion, Several different DX's, but no help... was started.