RA factor positive, ANA negative, ESR elevated

[LifeIsHard321]

I'm a female in my mid-20's. I recently requested bloodwork from my doctor due to prolonged fatigue. My liver enzymes are as follows: ALT 12, AST 10 Albumin 4.1, Globulin 4.2. Total Bili 0.2. I have a positive RA factor 20 (range 0-13) ESR-26 and negative ANA. Negative for HIV, Syphillis, HBsag through routine prenatal bloodwork. I have never had a blood transfusion or done any IV drugs. I have a history of allergies, anemia, but my CBC was normal as well. I am married with children. All of whom were jaundice soon after birth. I can't fathom the thought of passing something like this onto them. My mother has a history of drug use, but I'm not sure if it was before me seeing as she was 15 when she had me. She is not the type to be able to ask about health information and she gossips, so I cannot let her know about this. I am sure I have shared razors with her. I have tattoos and piercings all from professional establishments. When I was younger I used to use safety pins to pop pimples, etc (How stupid!). . I will be a scheduling an appointment with a rheumatologist ASAP, but I'm overwhelmed with worry. How likely is it that this RA factor is due to Hep C since my autoimmune panel is negative. Sorry so lengthy just a lot on my mind. Thank you.

[chrissy983]

she was only a nurse practitioner that read my blood work. it came up in my prenatal blood work. ill feel much better about it all once I finally see the hepatology dr. had to find one who will see me while im pregnant and after =] ty for clearing it up both of you though!

[pooh55811]

There is no such thing as being in remission from Hepatitis C. You either have Hep C or you do not.

You can be exposed to Hepatitis C and your immune system can fight  it off naturally (as 20-25% of people do). In that case, you will NOT have Chronic Hepatitis C but you will always carry the Hep C antibody. This is not remission. The Hep C is gone, one just has the antibody. (This is similar to other diseases that we have had and that we carry antibodies against. And also similar to when we are vaccinated. When we are vaccinated against a disease. When we are vaccinated, we carry the antibodies, but we do not have the disease.)

The other 75-80% of people who get exposed to Hep C go on to develop Chronic Hepatitis C. Once you have Chronic Hep C, you have it. There is no remission. The only way to get rid of it is to get treated with the Hep C treatment drugs. With successful treatment, one can attain a sustained viral response (SVR) and one is considered cured. One will always carry the antibodies to Hep C, even after successful treatment. However, after successful treatment, one no longer has Chronic Hep C.

[can-do-man]

As long as you keep in mind Hep C is not that easy to pass around. Many if not most of us here was married and had children for many years and never passed it on to them. Plus you don't even know if your mother is infected. Even in a small community getting tested for it should not be a problem. I mean you have been tested for other things that could bring just amount of talk as Hep C.

[chrissy983]

yes, for hep c there is remission. I didn't believe it either, but I asked hepatology and they said yes. its when they no longer detect a viral load. =] and yes im following that! so exciting! hopefully my insurance will cover it. so far they cover the newers ones that just got approved by the fda!

[LifeIsHard321]

I only read from credible medical websites and various different sources sited chronic hepatitis. I know my liver ezymes appear normal, but I also know to take that with a grain of salt. I truly believe my mother has done various drugs and could potentially be positive knowingly or unknowingly and as a child I remember getting cut on her razor and using it when I first started shaving. We were never educated on possible disease risks and things of that nature. We shared earrings, just a bunch of ignorant things. I know the risk is there and truly feel like it is going to happen. I will be devastated. Many of you all are such strong individuals and I have learned so much from this website. I pray treatment options continue to advance and Hepatitis will be a distant memory in the last for everyone. I admire the strength that you all possess. I wish more people were educated on the disease, so such a stigma didn't exist.

[AWorriedMom]

There is no such thing as remission. Look for my post in The Christmas Miracle Express Script thread.

[can-do-man]

"How likely is it that this RA factor is due to Hep C since my autoimmune panel is negative."

This was a post from cuteus from along time ago.

"I too tested high for rheum factor for many years, some pain and stiffness , no swelling, no "classical symptoms" of RA.  LAst year a rheumatologist tested me for hcv, and voila', it was positive.  Many positive hcv sufferers have high factor and RA symptoms.
Just something to follow up.
GL"
--------------------------
So while it is possible it is unlikely, besides yours is not really as high as they were discussing. Plus nothing else in your first post suggest being Hep C positive. As Chrissy said above be cautious of what you read on the internet and trying to DX yourself. Wishing you the best. Good luck to you.

[chrissy983]

Also.. don't believe everything you read online unless its from an actual medical site. my obgyn said medhelp, and WebMD are the best place to get information from =]  there is studies that suggest hep c and autoimmune diseases are connected, the same for autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune diseases. also, 1/3 of people with hep c DO have rheumatoid arthritis =]

[chrissy983]

I have several autoimmune diseases, RA, Lupus, Dermatomyositis, and a few other problems. and am currently pregnant for the first time. I tested positive for the hep c antibody, they re-did it and said I was in remission, and I see hepatology in January. im wondering if maybe I have autoimmune instead, since the only thing I can think of to get hep c is the blood product treatment I was receiving off and on for 11 years. boyfriend was tested 2 years ago, and didn't have hep c but is getting tested again to be sure.

[AWorriedMom]

I would be surprised. I know there are some viruses like Parvo, as well. Anyway, I hope you feel better real soon and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

[LifeIsHard321]

I was reading online and it said without an autoimmune disease, chronic viral infection is likely to cause a positive RF. I did process of elimination by what I have already tested for and hep c seems like a possibility. Albeit the risk is low, but definitely still there.

[AWorriedMom]

Then I don't understand why you would think you had RF due to hep C.

[LifeIsHard321]

No, I have never had an antibody test. None of my doctors have ever mentioned me getting one. I also live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. The nurses at the hospital have children that go to school with my children. I am even friends with many of them on Facebook. I will likely see a rheumatologist out of town.

[LifeIsHard321]

ALP is 35 as well.

[AWorriedMom]

Have you had an HCV antibody test? If you have hep C than your RF can be elevated and that would be a false positive RF. But if your hep antibody is negative, it is more likely that you have Rheumatoid or something else is causing the elevations. I am not positive that you need an elevated ANA to get a definitive RA diagnosis. Your rheumatologist would need to help you figure this out. It does not sound from your labs that you have hepatitis C although there are some people who have normal ALT and AST and are infected. Good luck figuring this out. Have a happy holiday.