First off welcome to the board. I would ask what are all of your symptoms? One of the things I have found out is that every case is different. I had symptoms for a long time here and there in different locations that was most likely the ra, I just didn't know what it was at the time. Looking back it all made sense. It finally hit me hard in several locations at once forcing me to the Dr to look for what was going on which led to a ra diagnosis. Some people have minimum symptoms to where others have severe.

As far as your ra factor it is a positive. Think mine was at 32 which is also positive. My lab shows normal levels at 0.0 to 13.9. I will ask if they ran a Anti-ccp? This test is more specific for ra and should help out with your diagnosis. I would not say it's a definite with the ra factor test alone but an indicator. Sounds like your Dr is pretty sure if they have prescribed the mtx.

The methotrexate is first line treatment for ra. Just about everyone that has ra has either taken or tried it at one time or another. I been dealing with ra for 8 months now and also take the methotrexate and folic acid. One thing I will add is to make sure they are checking your blood work every few weeks to keep an eye on you liver while on this med.

Good luck getting some answers. This is a great group with tons of support and knowledge. If you have any more questions just make yourself welcome and ask away. Plenty of folks here are willing to help.

There are cases where mild RA shows up - then disappears for decades without treatment and for no obvious reasons. There is a growing movement of patients trying gluten free diets with success. I myself found relief once developed food allergies/sensitivities were diagnosed via allergy testing. Stay away from the 24 positives - I'm normal and painfree. Break down and eat some - moderate/severe RA agony for 48-72 hours.....

My mother found her magic bullet using the antibiotic protocol. She had extremely aggressive RA and was at advanced deformed stage within four years of onset. Tried the A.P. in desperation (this was before MTX and biologics) and has been in remission for twenty years now..

So no, not all RA patients start with MTX. More start with DMARDS given to them by PCP while they wait for months for their first rheumy appointment. If your case is very mild - educate yourself on the wide range of treatment options and be willing to accept the side effects of your chosen treatment.

Good luck!

If the lab ranges are similar in S.A. to what they are in the U.S., that's a hellacious RF. Are you seeing a rheumatologist next month? A consult with a specialist would be an excellent idea.

Thank you all for the warm welcome :)

When I think about it, the only areas where I can honestly say nag me, are my index and middle fingers (the knuckes closest to my wrists on both hands which I have always just ignored, it is more of a tingling irritation), my neck (which I thought was stress and tension) causing my headaches, and strangely the bottom of my heels (I thought it was from standing too long or my body telling me to lose a few kg's lol). Not sure if my neck and feet are RA symptoms.

PW39 - I have only had the one set of blood tests (SEDrate), I am sure that my physician will be doing more tests and xrays etc I hope so because the little I know is not enough so I trying to read up as much as I can, I have been warned about the liver and other problems such as my heart and lungs, problem is I am a smoker (newly converted to the e-cig), and living in SA, LOVE my braais and occassional beer :( I have been told that I must stop drinking too, that is what is so hard, it is as if my whole life has just been turned 360. Surely the occasional glass of wine or beer wont kill me???

51percent & 2scicrazed - I am hoping that I am one of the very few who hardly have symptoms, that would be first prize, as for the RA reading, I am not sure that our labs would differ that much? (having said that though this is South Africa ha ha ha) but I can say he was rather certain about the reading and very eager to put me on meds. I am probably in denial and the sooner I accept this the better.

I have been told that I will have to exercise and diet. Been told that yoga is fantastic for RA? regards to diet, is it trial and error or is glutten free generally the best way to go?

Tx
V

Any, all, or none of that could be RA-related. One thing they look at is symmetry. Both hands and both heels: red flag. 51percent and a couple of others are the local cervical spine experts. The heel thing, if it where the Achilles tendon ties into the bone, is a favorite target of psoriatic arthritis.

Smoking and drinking. Welll . . . there is evidence that smokers have a higher rate of RA, and I think perhaps a more severe course of disease as well, although the world is full of smokers with nary an ache. Methotrexate, often the first medication given, can cause liver problems in some people, hence the no drinking. These are both subjects to have a frank and open talk with your doctor about.

Who told you that you will need to exercise and diet, a doctor or your grandmother's neighbor's nephew's wife? Diet can be a loaded topic. A few people have had great success with diets, but most have not. There is no scientific evidence about the role (if any) of diet in RA or autoimmune diseases in general. Most of us will tell you that endeavoring to eat well is a good thing, but there are no magic or evil foods.

Exercise. Keeping moving keeps the buzzards at bay, it's true. Each individual has to find their balance between too much and not enough. I think yoga might kill me right now, but walking is good. Someone else will say the opposite, and a third will give a shout-out to water aerobics.

i think ra renders rheumatologists impotent, really. so as new patient they will look to see if you sugar is optimum, your weight is in range, and your other crap is OK since this disease in and of itself is a bear to treat. use it as an excuse to do the things you always wanted to (you know the too expensive health club membership with the hut tubs) or to otherwise have a healthy mid life crisis. :)

welcome to the group

depot

Symmetry def! both my hands & both heels. My GP told me that diet is important, I am not going to stress too much until I see the physician, and know exactly what the facts are. It is the waiting game that is killing me, the 3 Rheumatologists in my area are booked up until July!! I have been reffered to a Physician, have to trust that this route is the right way to go.

Agreed, even if it is not a must, there is no harm in starting a healthier lifestyle, can only improve areas in my life that I otherwise may not have thought of changing.

Tx
V

Thank you! I think I need to do a little more reading, been avoiding the issue until I have confirmation, which is silly really as I have definate test results and symptons and my gut is telling me I have RA, just think I have been in denial. Very down week, hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

PS: anyone going to see "Fifty Shades Of Grey"........... tonight?

no, but you can give us the rotten tomato either way on it :)

depot