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284190 tn?1268326133

Should I be worried?

In September, I had blood work done to check for RA by my PCP. The bloodwork came back with an RF marker at 670 and a negative ANA. I do show signs of anemia. I have an appointment with a rheumy in a couple of weeks, but there are so many of you on here that are so well informed I thought I would throw the question out there if I should be worried or not. I see alot of RA people on here that have listed there bloodwork results and most of them have positive ANA's and just wondered if I am possibly facing something other than RA. This mainly concerns me due to lack of insurance coverage.

Thanks
Phyllis
6 Responses
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469901 tn?1276563623
Depending on what other meds you are taking, you might try tylenol pm or something comparable.  You may also want to ask your doctor for something to help you sleep.  The muscle relaxer flexeril helps me sleep and, when it is really tough for me to sleep, I take ambien.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I curious on how to get the sleep.  Even when you are sooo tiers the pain keeps you awake.  It's 2am and the kifs will be up at 5:30am.  ugh
Helpful - 0
469901 tn?1276563623
I know this is a very scary time for you.  I remember how I felt the years I searched for a dx.  Feeling bad, the diagnosis process and the fees can be overwhelming.  To feel depressed is common.  If it becomes a problem and goes outside of normal or lasts too long, please seek help.  I did and I am ok now.  
I have read from many users that their periods affect their pain levels.  You may want to ask the doctor for something stronger for those 3 days that you hurt so bad.
Investigate your rights and any assistance programs that may be available to you for your medical bills.  Talk to the hospital about payment plans and work something out if you can - it will be more cost-effective than legal fees for all involved.
Come here to talk about anything and everything and we will be here to share with you and if you need help to try to help you.  That is what we are here for and you have already made a few friends.  Count me among them!
Helpful - 0
284190 tn?1268326133
Thanks for you posts.

Dnmh: my PCP did do x-rays of my hands to check for joint damage and there is evidence of damage. My symptoms include joint stiffness and pain. I warmth and swelling in my hands and feet. That has decreased some since she put me on ibuprofen, but having just recently had a colostomy placement and take down that concerns me with digestive irritation. The pain has been to the point of having to have help getting up and down from a seated position and help walking from one place to another. I feel popping and snapping in my knees when I get up from a seated position as well. I have loss mobility and muscle strength in my extremities, which totally ***** because I have a 1 year old grandson I want to play on the floor and cuddle with.  I have been totally depressed from the pain and there are times, like last night when I wrote the original post, I just sit and cry because I don't feel like things will get better and I will always feel this way. I know alot of the depression is due to stress because I am dealing with the colostomy take down surgery uninsured to the tune of over $45,000.00 (hospital costs alone). The hospital was supposed to discount the cost but they aren't going to cause hubby had a good income year in 2007. Now I know they are going to sue us for payment and I have a feeling we are going to have to file bankruptcy.

roxstua: Thank you for the advice on the cleaning products. Fortunately, hubby has taken over most of the cleaning in the house. I don't know what I would do without him. It is funny that you bring up the women aspect of RA, because I have noticed and not sure if this something other women have found, but the day before, the first and second day of my period my pain and joint stiffness is worse. After the second day I can deal with the pain with the ibuprofen, but those 3 days are unbearable. Hormonal effect??

Again thank you both for your posts.
Phyllis
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
In the meantime you might try some things I have found helpful with a very similar disease description.... Get enough sleep.....at least 8 hrs. more if you can.... avoid cleaning chemicals...I am a chemistry teacher and I began to read the official MSDA sheets on chemicals we commonly clean with (bleach is the worst!) On the bleach container it just says to avoid prolonged contact...on the MSDA sheet it says to wear gloves at all cost....it is also amazing that most RA patients are women.....we do the cleaning....if I even touch bleach even diluted, the joints scream.....so try to wear gloves.  Also avoid emotional stress.....just keep telling yourself "whatever...".  I find that these things help me avoid flares...maybe you can try them.  I hope you feel better soon.
Karen
Helpful - 0
623944 tn?1244035490
Hi there! Glad you found us! ANA is a funny thing. Some people have a positive ANA with no symptoms - ever... while others have symptoms w/autoimmune disorders and are negative for ANA.
Also keep in mind that blood work is just one thing the doctors look at, it's not always diagnostic by itself. What other tests has the doctor run? Any x-rays or MRIs?
You also haven't mentioned what your symptoms are?
As for insurance, there are many options out there for uninsured people. Most states and a lot of hospital systems have options available. Some are a sliding scale based off income. I myself have to utilize that option!

Helpful - 0
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