high rheumatoid factor

[kathyboots]

I just got test result showing an RA factor of 93.6 which my doctor said was very high, but my sed rate was normal and that seem to bewilder him.  I am always tired and my muscles and joints all seem to hurt all the time (note that I run several times a week though) and I was wondering what this might indicate because generally I thought rheumatoid arthritis would have abnormal sed rate too.  Thanks

[myproblem]

Your SED rate will behigh during a "flare", but lower or normal at other times. Elevated RA factor usually gets a diagnosis. Re-test SED when you are feeling extra bad, and it will almost surely be higher.

[Lori707]

Several months ago I got diagnosed with Fibromylagia..big time!  I had an RA factor of 79.5 but had pins/needles and heat feeling all over my body and generalized bone pain. I had my RA factor retested last month and it came out 66.  My doc said that I have something brewing but I don't have to have RA. It could be something else. Then 4 days ago all broke loose! All of a sudden my wrists,fingers,elbows, shoulders HURT!!!! Been living with moist heat on those areas. I think I may have RA and am so scared. I can't take any of the meds for it due to two reasons. I have terrible gastritis, gerd and acid reflux with errosions, etc. I had to take a baby asperin. Took it with food and I was in so much pain. Bile came out of my mouth. Also, I was near a person with TB and got a latent infection 12yrs. ago. Never took the antibiotics for it because they said it would be too dangerous for me. If I take the other meds you're speaking of, then the TB will be activated. My sed rate was fine, then came back a bit low. Have to take blood test again.
Also, I have colitis and my liver enzmyes are elevated. I can't think straight.
Any comments? Does anyone know where I can go from here? Is it possible that I may have another form of arthritis? A couple of my fingers have changed a bit.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
A high rheumatoid factor indicates rheumatoid arthritis. An ESR test done on an empty stomach is usually more accurate.
Please discuss this with your doctor. Take care!