What made the do tor Dr declare it isn't Ra? I've never heard of Ra factor positive in osteo patients, but then again some people without Ra are rf positive and that's why the test alone isn't a definitive answer.

You can have rheumatoid factors without RA, but my question is are you thinking you have Ra and were misdiagnosed?

Ok, reread your prior thread.

Did you ever see that rheumatologist? Is rheumatoid factor the only bloodwork youve had? It sounds like RA per what I read. You may need a new doctor for a second opinion.

I read the referral letter, it said an unnamed inflammatory marker was negative and the RF was positive at 31. That's my only ever blood test for joint pain.

It was the rheumy today who said it wasn't RA, he seemed to simply dismiss the rf blood test as not meaning anything, but it must mean something or they wouldn't do it!

Thing is I had no diagnosable arthritis in April, or the x-ray was misleading, then I did have arthritis in November (left thumb).

I showed the rheumy the November x-ray (the only one I have) and he agreed it showed deformity and arthritis. On examination he said there was some deformity of my right thumb (not detected in November) but RA does not start in thumbs, I would have swelling across my knuckles if it were RA.

I'm not saying I necessarily think its RA I have, I see his point that most hypermobile people develop joint pain at my age, but I was referred to him because of the blood test being positive.

I feel I'm no further on, I knew I was hypermobile, I'm hardly going to not notice! I didn't know why I have rf in my blood and still don't.

I think I'll email the rheumy and ask nicely if he would explain it again to me because I don't recall/understand.

I expected follow up tests, he examined my joints, explained the wonky knees are because I have flat feet (hypermobility again), prescribed painkillers and suggested I get shoe insoles and another brace for my other thumb.

He said hypermobility causes blood vessels to stretch, that could cause fatigue (and strokes and heart problems).

That was it, no recall. I can have injections in the joints if I like, just call him.

He was very certain, so I think I believe him, but the 31 isn't explained or being investigated, I like things to be explained!

did you get an anti-ccp test? Your regular doctor can order it - and it will have more information.

I was diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome many years ago. That alone can cause a lot of joint pain. Joints move past the point that they should and after a while it causes extreme pain. I was very flexible. Now with the RA, I don't overextend my joints any longer but the RA pain is worse than the hypermobility ever was. I'm sero negative myself. Did they test your anti-cpp? That is more specific for RA. I never heard of blood vessels over-stretching. Did the rheumy say that was because of the hypermobility?

I hope you will pursue another opinion to feel confident about what you're dealing with. I'm pretty new here but have years of health issues, mostly musculoskeletal, and rotten Dr. work ups, etc so I understand your frustration.
Thank you for your post, this is interesting info. I have joints that hyperextend so figure this must be the same type of thing?? First time I've heard someone describe it the way you did-thought it was a special talent :) I have a definite dx for RA, OA, Spondylitis but my body is not responding to typical treatment so this information is a consideration. Gosh I learn so much on this board. I have pain and some inflammation, fatigue, but not some of the severe joint symptoms like so many on the board. I feel fortunate but this type of "twist" in diagnosis information, if you will, makes the road to treatment more of a challenge.
Hope you will keep us posted.

You should seek a second opinion to confirm things. I am RF negative, so that test is indeed very unreliable. That's why they came up with that criteria list. One thing that stood out was that you said you don't have inflammation and that meant you didn't have RA. Did the doc tell you that? I have only ever had mild inflammation, nothing visible. But I have constant pain as well as other symptoms, which is what my diagnosis was based on.

Whatever you may have, you should continue to seek medical help. You need some form of treatment. We have to be our own advocates, as I have heard time and time again, and it is very true. No one else is going to pursue this if you don't push. And while it is difficult to know how hard to push, it is the only thing to do. I would not settle with your current diagnosis or treatment plan.
It may help to keep a notebook to take to appointments, so you can ask the questions you wanted to, and it is also invaluable to be able to see what has happened as you proceed.

It is also a good idea to begin to collect reports. Ask for reports for everything, every test, imaging study, and reports of any procedures, as doctors write reports on everything. I also recommend a medication log of every medicine you have ever been prescribed with a start and stop date, dosage and directions and reason and results. I have mine medical records in 3 ring binders, spiral notebooks and a spreadsheet filing system. The spiral notebooks are for doctor's visits, and I list the things I want to ask or tell, the ones I actually did, and the answer. If you file for disability these records will also be a big help.

I hope that they find out something that helps you soon.

Also, you have a right to adequate pain treatment. I talk a lot about this because it is a subject that few people want to discuss, but unfortunately for us, it is one we all need to know what our rights are in order to receive adequate relief.
Good Luck in you search!

Hi Beechfeet,
I thought it was a special talent too! I have photos of my children easily bending their fingers back, my youngest could bend them so far back they curved into a c shape and touched the back of his hand. My thumbs could touch my wrist either bend forwards or backwards, very impressive at school, and I could touch my toes with my elbows until very recently! No-one suggested there was a downside, but thinking about it, the joints are not being held in position properly, so it figures.

A few weeks ago I took my youngest to a physiotherapist for neck pain. She said a doctor would diagnose hypermobility syndrome and he has flat feet too, but the problem is his spine has too much of an S shape to it which she is working on. I thought he slouched because he is much taller than his friends or he was being a cool almost-teen. It makes his bum look big too!

Both of us were examined for knock knees at a young age, both were told it was just because we had loose joints, no problem there. We both grew out of it and its wasn't noticeable after the age of 5 or6.

So on balance I think the diagnosis of it being a problem is relatively new, because it isn't life threatening,it is trickling through the general knowledge of health professionals slowly.

I was told to stay thin and not play contact sports, that's it really.

I'm going to ask for the anti-ccp test, I'm very relieved, but would feel better if it were confirmed by another test.