Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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GabrielAngel 03/12/2015

I have noticed that when I get my labs done (every 8 weeks) my MCH and MPV are always high. This last time my MCV was also high and my RBC was low. I have lost some of my knowledge as I have been out of the medical field too long. Anyone speak the lab lingo and could give me the breakdown on these tests? I don't go back to the rheumy until June. When I have seen her she hasn't been too concerned with these results. I am just trying to figure it all out.

Thanks,
Dana

ScarlettLeo 03/12/2015

I think they are related to your red blood cell counts - mine are always low as well. I wonder if that's common in RA?

In any case - head over to labtestsonline dot org (I don't think I can put a link here). It's where I always go after I get my lab results. You can get a gold mine of information about any random weird crazy test done - why it's done, what the value means, and so on.

Best of luck : )

davidrn 03/13/2015

Blood levels (mostly low) and Liver Enzymes (mostly high) will remain an issue while you are on Methotrexate. Good news, you can rebound, if you stop MTX, I have been off since early Oct when i started LDN. Had some labs done in late Jan, and I was back to normal. This was after about 10 years of Methotrexate.

magienoire 03/22/2015

Elevated MCV indicates low folate and/or B12 levels. If mild elevations, no big deal. Ask you Dr. if you should add or increase supplementation.

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