Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

High Rheumatoid Factor levels

Had my RF levels checked 3 years ago came back as 226 (20 is the 'normal' level) I was told I had nothing to worry about as although I was in pain no other levels were elevated and my results were just a little bit raise.  Other problems occurred, including Swine Flu, and I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).  My joint pains became a lot worse and I was repeatedly told that I It was the CFS.  I then discovered a Lump in my arm and the consultant that treated me diagnose a problem with my shoulder  (as well as necrotised fat in my upper arm that was removed instead of the original lump).  I was sent to another consultant  who removed the original lump and in another operation performed a shoulder decompression, removing thickened synovial fluid from the shoulder joint.  I return to a different GP because other large joints (hips) cause as much pain as the shoulder and she re- did blood tests my RF levels are now over 400 but still my inflammation levels are low. I'm in constant pain and tied, My joints get stuck the clunk painfully back into place.  I have disturbed sleep and It hurts when I breath to the point that I keep going to my GP to see if I have a chest infection.  I have been referred to a rheumatologist but I will have to wait six weeks to see them and  I am worried about the RF levels, what does such high levels mean? And do I have CFS? I really am at my wits end and don't know wht to do while I wait for another consultant and another round of tests.
Any information will help thank you K.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
You can learn more about Lyme Disease at www.ilads.org
Ther is a good symptom list at
http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/B_guidelines_12_17_08.pdf
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree with donjoe341.  It sounds like you have a classic case of borelliosis.  I've read about having trouble getting diagnosed and treated in the U.K. (as well as here in the USA).  I also tested negative on standard tests, but came up positive on an IGeneX test.  You may have to go out of pocket to get the treatment you need.  It could easily take over a year of antibiotics to get well considering how long you've had it.  Good luck!
Helpful - 0
1353650 tn?1429463374
Please check into lyme disease.
I had an elevated rheumatoid factor and found out it was caused from lyme disease. Lyme disease can be causing the joint swelling and chronic fatigue as well. You must see a lyme specialist and get tested through Igenex labs. This lab is the best in the US when it comes to testing for lyme. The testing for lyme is very poor so, if you get tested through your family doctor and it comes back negative, you still could have lyme. I was tested 3-4 times for lyme and my results came back negative and equivocal. I went into treatment with a lyme specialist and after about 6 months my test results came back positive. Lyme disease weakens the immunes system response causing the standard testing for lyme to become unreliable.
If you need help finding a lyme doctor just message me.
You can read my journey with lyme on my journal pages.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community

Top General Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
19694731 tn?1482849837
AL
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.