test results- help

I am a thyroid cancer survivor- had my entire thyroid removed in May of 2007 due to papillary carcinoma.  For the past 3 to 4 months, I have had swollen and sore finger joints , especially in the morning.  I went to my PCP and he ordered blood tests.  My ANA Direct was positive- no ranges- and my RA factor was 6.0 (lab ranges 0.0-13.9).  He wants to refer me to a rheumatologist.  Since my RA factor is in the normal range, does that mean it isn't rheumatoid arthritis?  Any help would be appreciated.  It seems like since my thyroid was removed, I have had other health issues.  Thanks.

[TrudieC]

Many auto-immune diseases are triggered when we go through physical or emotional stresses.  Mine was first triggered by my ovarian cysts (but thought it was due to my hypothyroidism going crazy from the cysts) and subsequent surgery and then more so at the lay off from my job.  

Did they indicate what kind of pattern the titers from your positive ANA exhibited?  That is a big indicator of what disease it is pointing to.  There are a number that could be caused by a positive ANA such as Lupus, RA, Sjogren's, etc.  The other issue is that sometimes these diseases don't entirely reveal themselves in your blood work and it can take some time.  Going to a rheumatologist is a good move.  They are the best doctor to be diagnosing and treating you.  Please keep us posted.