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...
Hi everyone this is my first time on this board. My blood work came back positive (flagged high) and I was just wondering if anybody has any advice on what steps come next.
Longer answer, give us more info to work with. Do you know which tests came back high? Who ordered them, your primary doctor or a rheumatologist? What kind of symptoms are you having?
If you haven't seen a rheumatologist yet, that will be step 1.
By the way, hello and welcome.
A good rheumy is essential and the first step if you do not already have one. Altoclef asked great questions - please provide more info on your test results, and we can offer suggestions.
Linda
glad you are here
alto is right: first research rheumatologists in your area
next, check out a book at the library or buy one on amazon on RA
don't read the pamphlets from any of the companies pushing their meds (humira, enbrel et al).do NOT pick them up at the doctor's
try this:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html
I like the national institute of health because they are NOT selling anything...
just for starters (before you start reading through the treatment section) read through the testing section:
Diagnosis/Symptoms
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody Test) (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) (American College of Rheumatology)
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
CCP (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Rheumatoid Factor (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Synovial Fluid Analysis (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
send a kale recipe to the list
Depot
I won't repeat as you'll get excellent advice here.
I will advice that you pay close attention to how the doctor & office operate.
Take list of any questions. Depending on how this doctor responds to your questions & how well your informed/educated will give you a sign on how this doc treats patients. Long term relationship so you want & deserve a doctor that your comfortable with & trust.
I'll also advice you use support systems. Just like this group.
Understanding & support can be just as important as treatments.
In fact if I was a doc I'd suggest reaching out for a support system.
Sure can't hurt but can help in so many ways.
Sammy