High RA Factor

[sharp_ae]

I am 24 years old and recently had my RA factor tested. I was told the normal reading is less than 20, however mine is 1,615. My mother has both rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. I have yet to be successful getting in touch with the rheumatologist my doctor recommended and no one has sat down with me and really explained things to me. Is there anyone that can put this into perspective for me? Thank you!  ~Allison

[Nancystowe]

mine was 750 when I was first dxd, it fluctuates, and did you have your sed rate done, what was that? my ra is just getting worse and worse. I am 55 so sorry you are starting out so young.  But good news, a cure is right around the corner for you! Hand in there.
Nancy

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend Sharp,
RA- Rheumatoid Factor -  It is a type of antibody (Immunoglobulin).
Normally blood contains Antibodies which function in harmony.But sometimes some Antibodies start to interact within themselves and cause inflamation/destructionwhich results in the loss of harmony.
In conditions like Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders,etc. the amount of this antibody increases (why it increases is unknown) which results in the autoimmune diseases.
The destruction / inflamation affects joints,eyes, cartilages, skin mainly but can affect other organs also. In 70% of the cases the RA value is  high.But you would be surprised to know that in 30% of the cases, the inflamation / Destruction happens without the RA value being high. We call those cases as "Sero Negative RA.
I hope you got the basic information.
If there is some specific information requirement, please post it.I would be gld to help more.
Regards