I don't know. I've never had a positive ra factor. I was diagnosed based on the anti cpp, sed rates, crp and symptoms. I thought I read on here that having a positive ra factor can mean a more aggressive disease. I'm curious too. I'll keep checking this thread to see what you find out.

Thanks for your input..

by more agressive disease do you mean RA or another disease all together?

Hello Kimmey,

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test can be very finicky in testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Some people with definitive RA never have a positive test for RF and, obviously, some do test positive.

This was really the only test a decade and more ago to help Rheumatologist's with diagnosing RA. Now, a more specific test for RA is available called an anti-CCP. I'm sure the Rheumatologist you have an appointment with will run this test as well as many more.

One element has been found true: 80% of people with RA test positive for RF. The normal level for Rheumatoid Factor is 0-14. So, if your test proves a level above 256, your level is way above the norm.

RF can also be found in people that have lupus, infectious hepatitis, mono, TB, sarcoidosis, and a few other diseases.

Your RF result is so high that if I were a betting man, I would have to believe RA is the culprit. Mainly because you stated you have or had hand pain and you now you are having stomach issues. Remember, your bowels can experience inflammation as well as the rest of your body and the hands or fingers are one of the first places noticed by individuals developing RA.

Please know that I am not a physician and am simply passing along information that I have come across when I was in your shoes.

I went through the same "you have fibromyalgia" idiocy; knowing the whole time this isn't what was happening with my body.

Also, welcome to our forum. There are some very smart and friendly people on here. I hope you hang around.

Regards,
TheWino

Yes that's a high Rf. Like thewino said it's not definitive for RA since it can be positive in other diseases as well. Even positive in people with no disease at all. Studies show the anti-CCP tends to be (but not always & I'm not sure if that's in conjunction w/a positive Rf or not) more indicative of aggressive disease & more of the "gold standard" test although there isn't just one bloodtest for RA. They also rely on clinical exam, symptoms etc. That's what makes it so tricky to be dx'd, and why some with a negative Rf can go yrs with active disease but no diagnosis. I have high titers of both. Keep in mind inflammation does not have to be visible with the naked eye to be happening. Not everyone swells & gets heat and redness in their joint. Another mystery with this disease. Everyone is different which is what makes it hard for the drs, especially at the beginning.

I've had two rheumies tell me once positive always positive. Only my 1st rheumy re-tested me because the numbers were so high he though there was a lab error. Over 600 both times.

I've been through the FM battle too. Repeatedly. I have no symptoms other than pain. Just know FM doesn't involve inflammation or swelling. I've had this for over 4yrs now and I learn something new everyday. A lot from the knowledgeable people on this board.

Good luck & I hope you get some answers.

Emerald

My fat fingers took so long to type on this Kindle Jen beat me to it :-)

Thank you all so very much for the helpful info! The rheumatologist I saw five years ago told me he could not say that one day I would be hit with RA. Its always been in the back of my mind. I'm seeing a top RA in my area soon and Im sure I will go through a long list of test.
I will keep you all posted. Again, thanks so much for the help! :)

My RA Factor was close to 600 with a Sed Rate that was also way above normal. That was last year. I'm off all meds right now pending seeing another doctor. I'm in pain but it's controllable with mild pain meds snd Aleve. Knees and ankles seem to be the worse with my hands coming in third. I came out of retirement and went back to work at the IRS and it seems to have helped. I'm moving around more and not laying on the couch all day.
Hope all of you are doing well or at least as well as can be expected.
God Bless.

Bump for Okart