RA Positive

[tinapilates]

Hello,
I recently visited Urgent Care because my toes were bothering me so much. They were red/purple, swollen and HOT! They did some blood work and indicated that I am RA positive. The Dr. said that the normal is 13.8 and I was 14.8. I am going to see a family practitioner and get a full blood workup and then hopefully see a rheumatoid specialist, but that is not for another two weeks. Any information that you can provide would be so helpful. What does this 14.8 RA positive mean?

Thanks!

[txsilver]

I am glad your appointment is coming up soon.  My conditions tend to flare with changes in barometric pressure.  I always seem to know when it is going to rain even if it is not in the forecast.  There are many people who try different diet modifications to help with their pain.  I hope the gluten free diet works for you!  Please take a look at the post at the top of the forum regarding tips for rheumy appts as there may be some good info for you to start working with now.  Let us know how you do over the next 17 days and how that doctor appt goes!

[tinapilates]

My symptoms definitely change with the temperature change. I actually feel like I have had more trouble since it began warming up. I have an appointment for 6/2 and hope to get some more info then. I am actually going gluten free because I have heard that it is so benefitial all the way around, but also that it is good for removing inflamation in your body.

[txsilver]

Be certain you talk to your doc about the knee pain.  While it may be related to the old injury, it may be another symptom and should be investigated.  
You mentioned that temps change drastically where you are located.  do you find your symptoms worsen with changes in the weather?

[tinapilates]

It is only in my toes and it has been going on since about Christmas time. I live in a climate where the temperatures change quite drastically. I do have some knee pain, but thought that was from an old injury.

[txsilver]

I am not sure what test they ran on you.  If you had an RA factor test, normal is under 20.  It is good that you are going to see your doctor and have full labs run.  It is important to note, though, that you can test positive for something you do not have and negative for something you do have.  Blood work is only a part of the diagnosis process and is used to point doctors in directions to explore.  Your symptoms, the physical examination and x-rays play a larger role in being diagnosed.  
Do you have pain in any other joints?  How long has this been going on?  Do you have any symptoms that seem unrelated like dry eyes or lethargy?