can you help us?

My fiance is 27 and was recently diagnosed with RA, but we are desperately trying to get a second opinion.  He does not experience any morning achiness, or symmetrical pain.  Here are his symptoms which he has been experiencing for the past 3 months.

*Rheumatoid Factor is 88
*Pain and swelling in his hands, feet, wrists and knees - never symmetrical and no morning achiness
*Red spots on his legs that seem to come and go - they are spread all over his legs - flat red spots that are not itchy.
*Red eye - told us it was conjuctivitis  - treated accordingly

I have read that a high RF can mean other things as well?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would obtain an ANA level to exclude other rheumatological diseases, specifically lupus, mixed connective tissues disease, or Sjogren's syndrome.  Other diseases that may be associated would include inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis, malignancy or primary biliary cirrhosis.  

Imaging the affected joints can be considered.  With the association of the eye, you can also consider Reiter's syndrome, where the combination of arthritis and conjunctivitis is associated.  An HLA-B27 level can be considered if this is suspected.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[JSpivey]

Yes; a high RF can mean other things. Viral infections, hepatitis, and leukemia are a few examples.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003548.htm

[Bethany651]

He tested negative for Hepatitis.

Im just trying to figure out - with the other symptoms in mind - what else he might have or what other tests we can run to check if it could be one of the others.  Does anyone know what these symptoms could mean specifically? Also what tests we can ask the doctors for to check?

[kim73159]

dr. pho
I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for five years now. I also have a clotting disorder that comes with it called a protein s deficiency. the reason I am writing is becuz my doctor put me on oxycontin for chronic pain about two years ago. I have never been addicted to anything in my life, ever, period. this medicine is the devil. I decided to quit taking them becuz they started interfering in my life and practice as a nurse. is there anything herbal or otc that can help me becuz I don't want anyone to know about this, next time I go see my rheumatologist, I'm going to ask for non-narcotic pain relief and he won't know the hell I am going thru to get off these demon pills.