Rheumatoid Arthritis question?!


Question: I've had symptoms for six years and finally got bloodwork last week. My question is this: since I haven't had a flare up in at least a month will the bloodwork still show signs of RA if it is indeed RA?


Answers: I've had symptoms for six years and finally got bloodwork last week. My question is this: since I haven't had a flare up in at least a month will the bloodwork still show signs of RA if it is indeed RA?

The RA factor runs higher when you are having an active flare-up. But if you do have it, your RA factor should still be high. You might need to do a repeat.

Ckeck your blood sugar.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, producing damage mediated by cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteases. Peripheral joints (eg, wrists, metacarpophalangeal joints) are symmetrically inflamed, often resulting in progressive destruction of articular structures, usually accompanied by systemic symptoms. Diagnosis requires specific clinical, laboratory, and radiologic criteria. Treatment involves drugs, physical measures, and sometimes surgery. Drug therapy combines NSAIDs, which help reduce symptoms, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, which slow disease progression.
A specific blood test is available for diagnosing RA and distinguishing it from other types of arthritis. It is called the anti-CCP antibody test. Other tests that may be done include:
* Complete blood count
* C-reactive protein
* Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
* Joint x-rays
* Rheumatoid factor test (positive in about 75% of people with symptoms)
* Synovial fluid analysis
Please see the web pages for more details on Rheumatoid arthritis.





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