Hello-

I have a quick question- if you have an RH factor of 56.5, at what point/number does the Rheumatologist decide that you should be treated with Methotrexate or other meds. Mine told me that he doesn't treat unless the number is 80 and up.

Is this normal?

Thanks!

^^ BUMP!

Anyone?

Hello Krstne
sorry i am not sure what the answer is to your question. My consultant works by the symptons you have, inflamation activity and blood results to determine what drugs to take. All i know is that early intervention slows down the disease so it is important to start the DMARDS at an early stage. Hope this helps. Takecare.
wenXXX.

Hello Krstne
sorry i am not sure what the answer is to your question. My consultant works by the symptons you have, inflamation activity and blood results to determine what drugs to take. All i know is that early intervention slows down the disease so it is important to start the DMARDS at an early stage. Hope this helps. Takecare.
wenXXX.

Hi Wen, thanks for replying!

My symptoms are pain and soreness in my joints- hips, hands, just about everywhere but my jaw. Terrible insomnia, stiffness, weakness, and swelling. Extreme fatigue and general malaise. When I got to the rheumatologist, he said that he believed it was my anemia that was causing the pain because I also have burning pain in my face and extremities. My HGB is 6. So because of my low HGB, he diagnosed me with Microcytic Anemia and told me to see a hematologist. Then he said IF my pain wasn't better after being treated by the hematologist, then to come back to him and he would consider treating me, that he didn't get 'excited' unless the RH factor was 80 and over. 3 years ago my level was 0, last week was 56.5, now its days later, and its 69.

Does this info help? Your thoughts?

Hello Krstne
Im afraid your results dont really mean anything to me, all i can suggest is that you go back to you doctor and ask for further blood tests. In England we have the following tests caried out for arthritis
ERS - degree of inflammation in joints
C reactive protein
Rheumatoid factor
Antibodies to CCP - these antibodies are very rarely found in patients without RA

Hope this helps a little. Takecare.
wenXXX.

Hi Wen,

Talking of esr readings - do you have regular blood checks, what is your esr reading with rheumatoid arthritis? Normal person should be below 10, mine is always between 20 and 30 which obviously shows inflammation, what is yours?

Hope you are feeling ok today, damp cold weather doesnt help does it?

Regards
Ronnie

Hello Krstne
Im afraid your results dont really mean anything to me, all i can suggest is that you go back to you doctor and ask for further blood tests. In England we have the following tests caried out for arthritis
ERS - degree of inflammation in joints
C reactive protein
Rheumatoid factor
Antibodies to CCP - these antibodies are very rarely found in patients without RA

Hope this helps a little. Takecare.
wenXXX.

Hi Wen, as a matter of fact, I did have them run. I'm sorry to bombard you with questions, I just hate not knowing. I don't have another appt with the Rheumatology for another week, UGH. My ESR is 38 and my C Reactive Protein 64, both well outside of the range, except for my CCP which is within range.

I guess patience is the name of the game. How long have you had RA?

Hello Ronnie and Krstne

I was dx in April this year. My latest ESR was 23. Krstne, your C-reactive protein is alot higher than mine, which is 9, am not sure though what this really means though (sorry). Am feeling pretty good today as have increased the steroids. I had forgotten how nice it was to do things for yourself. I actually feel i have some control today, even cleaned a window and walked my dog! I know steroids are not good for you but it is sooo good to feel like my old self for a while! Hope your weekend's going ok. Takecare.
wenXXX.

Hi Wen,

Thanks for your reply, mine is usually around 24, I am also having good day as I have upped my prednisolone as well. Doc advised it as I was flaring up too much. Trouble is, over done it and had my neice, nephew and their babies around and my grand daughter and made tea for them all. It is now 9.00 p.m. and cannot move my ankles and my hands are like fat sausages!! Still been a good day. Have to rest for next few days. I have found the best thing for my arhtritis is the steroid treatment, and like you I know they say its not good to be on them all the time, but I wouldnt want to be without them.

Glad you are feeling better.

Regards
Ronnie

p.s. thinking of getting a little dog to keep me company, what do you think? Would it be too much for me?

Morning Ronnie
how lovely being able to spend time doing things you really enjoy with your family. A dog is a great companion and a very special friend. The only trouble i have sometimes is that when im unable to get out/hold lead/walk etc he has to stay in but i do have a lovely husband who walks him daily anyway. You could get a smaller dog which doesnt require much exercising. Did you look in to joining them other clubs/societies.
wenXXX.

Good Morning Wen,

Looked into it, but I am waiting for bowel surgery, so getting into clubs and having a dog is a bit of a dilemma until I get a date for the operation. Aching like mad today (my own fault I know). Hope you are ok today.

Ronnie

Blimey Ronnie
you certainly have got a lot going on, have you got good support at home? Heat packs are good to help with aches (ive got lavender wheat ones which you put in microwave etc. Im ok, a bit low today really as on top of the RA we are actually trying for a baby and unfortunately have had 6 miscarriages which is why i am now being tested for lupus and sticky blood syndrome. It is just so hard when so many friends and family are either pregnant or just had a baby!Anyway, am sure tomorrow will be a better day. Takecare.
wenXXX.

Crikey Wen, so sorry to hear your probs with trying for baby, and theres me going on about my grand daughter and neices and nephews, sorry. One of my neices had terrible trouble falling for a baby and has had 4 miscarriages, all girls, she has since gone on to have 3 healthy boys, but cannot carry girls, I hope you get what you want soon. I worked with a girl who had severe rheumatoid arthritis and decided to go for a baby, we all thought she would have so many problems, but she managed and went on to have another. Obviously, tired her out and flared up a lot but she is happy. I wish you all the very best. I am not looking forward to the bowel surgery as it will mean 3 months rest and I shall be bored to death! Decided to try and write a book, not too energetic! I have the lavender bags and tend to use them a lot I also have a spray called nutmed, a colleague at hubbys work recommended it and I found it on the internet and would not be without it now as I spray my knees and ankles before going to bed and it helps ease the pain. Take care. Ronnie :wave:

Morning Ronnie
Dont be daft, im fine with it all really, its just close family thats difficult sometimes but am sure all will work out in the end. Poor you having to rest for three months post op but i guess it will be worth it in the end. Hope you are having nice day. Wat miserable weather!! My joints are not too bad today, might even attempt to drive! Takecare.
wenXXX.