what is going on?

[rednat]

First, I was advised by a RA Doctor that I was tested positive for rheumatoid arthritus.
He told me that most people w/ RA had pain in other joints.
I only suffer with swelling and extreme pain in my right knee.
I asked if breast implants could be a factor, my sore throat that occurs more and more regularly.
After the blood tests, he confirmed that it was RA but said that breast implants wouldn't be causing the knee pain and the sore throat was nothing to be concerned about. (this all contrary to what I've been reading on the web) but he's the doctor right. -
Then he said that I was RA +8 antibiotic when average is -5 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Also, he said that normal red blood settling is 1-15 and I was a 15 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

It is all greek to me and getting an understanding of what is going on is hard, he speaks with a thick accent and I don't fault him for that, just don't know what is going on since his ultimate diagnosis was that my thorough blood tests came back negative for everything that may mimic RA and Neg everything else but positive RA.

He put me on a 13 week medicine treatment and wants to see me when the 13 weeks is up.
what to do?
Red Nat

[smittygirl]

Welcome to the forum.  Tx and I both suffer from the same disease and between us can hopefully give you some advice that will help you.  Firstly as TX said I tell everyone to ALWAYS ask for copies of your labs, as well as any x-rays or MRI films you would have done,  I do not have RA but when I went to my first rheumatologist 4 years ago I was told that a person can test positive for RA and NOT have it OR test negative and HAVE it!   Go figure, I said to him what's the point of the test then!   I will ask the same ? as TX, what meds does he have you on for 13 weeks?    If you like this doc stay with him but ask him or his nurse to write down what it is they think you have.  Dr's unfortunately are not great communicators.  That first Dr. I went to 4 years ago NEVER told me I had the HLA-B27 gene, just told me I had PA which I did not.  Get those lab tests and check out the Arthritis Foundations website, there are over 100 types of arthritis and I researched myself  based on my labs and symptoms to figure out what I had.  A doctor at the Mayo Clinic confirmed my own dx!   You must be your own advocate and don't give up until someone can come up with a true diagnosis for you.  Even if you stick with your doc, it can't hurt to get a second opinion.  There is also a web site that will tell you how to interpret your blood test, I will get it for you.  There is a wealth of knowledge out there on the internet, I stick mostly with the Mayo Clinics site and the AF's as I mentioned.  Hang in there, we are here for you.  Do let TX or I know though what drug he has you on.  


Sue

[txsilver]

It is very frustrating when you cannot understand what the doctor is telling you about your lab results.  I suggest you ask for a copy of the lab results for your records as that will make it easier to understand.  
I believe his comment about normal red blood settling is refering to you sed rate, an indicator of inflammation in the body.  15 may be on the upper end of normal, but you can go way past that on the test.  
RA + 8 antibiotic is greek to me too.  I wonder if his accent got in the way here.  Perhaps he was referring to antidna or antissa or one of the other tests.  
Communication between you and your doctor will be key to your treatment.  If you like your doctor and do not want to switch, you might write down what he says and ask him to verify what you have written.  
RA can present in first in other joints besides hands, but it usually presents with pain in both sides, I have not heard of it presenting on on one knee and not the other.  
What has he got you on for 13 weeks?  Do you have any other symptoms besides the sore throat?