Brilliant in-depth but clearly explained explanation of RA & testing for same. Have now subscribed. Many thanks for these helpful. videos.

Thank you Doc. Watching from Malaysia

This was helpful thank you.

Love your video. I just had tests done and can’t see a rheumatologist until mid May. My ICC test was 40 and RF positive with RF titer of 1024. That seemed overwhelming but I don’t see much about RF titer numbers. Maybe that is put in with the +RF but I was just curious if that is the case.

Hi Doc... Thankyou for the informative video. I am 52 and have tested Rf 68... Should I be worries about this level. Thankyou.

Thanks I am Dr 51 years female consulted rheumatologist diagnosed as a case of early rheumatoid arthritis start hydroxychloroquine is it justified and for how much duration the treatment should be and what type of follow up plz reply

My test came back with 51 Rheumatoid factors. My doctor said you have Rheumatoid arthritis, they gave me lot of medication nothing helped until I got alkaline powder, the pain became, but when it's cold pain comes up.

Hi Dr. Ortiz what if you tested positive for both ana and rheumatoid factor accompanying with uveitis?

If you are experiencing unexplained pains what is the best way to proceed? I went to ortho express and had Xrays and given Meloxicam. Ortho said, not enough info. How should I proceed? Ask GP to order blood test or other? Ins did give ok to MRI both knees but I would pay out of pocket. This pain has been going on for 2 months now. Mainly behind both knees (like a baker's cyst), hamstring and groin pain. Also right bicep for quite a while. Thank you

Hi thank you for this video. I just want to ask what is rheumatoid factor 45 with rised CRP meaning?

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

Its hard to say what these could mean as they could mean different things for different people. Best to discuss them with your doc, who will take into account, not only the results but your symptoms and physical exam. Good luck!

Please Help Me,Doctor ! Age 50 ,I'm having a swelling & pain on one knee but no other joints have any pain or stiffness. Have Osteoarthritis on the knee but RA Factor 24* , Anti CCP 12 EU/ml (Negative), ANA also came Negative. CRP 2.4 , ESR 70*. Also my Uric Acid is high (8.7); my GP gave Sulfasalazine, Do I have Rheumatoid Arthritis ?

This is an excellent video which is very informative. Maybe make another video that adds what to do next if you have a normal anti-CCP and a positive rheumatoid factor

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion! A common issue that leaves many confused!👍🏽

@Pamela_Rief

2 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology hopefully I’ll see it when you release it. All the best!

My rheumatologist says im strong positive for RA based on a blood test called an RA Semi Quant, my level was 17.69. I'm not finding any information test, is this a test this clinic uses and if so can you tell me more about the test.

My mother is 45yr and she is taking medication of rheumatiod arthritis for 2yr and recently is tested positive for gold quantiferon test plz suggests us what to do nxt??plz plz

Mam i got severe pain on ankles and knees and knees where having swellings i went to dr and he did test which came out as crp 6.09 and esr 40 RA F positive he give me medicine which didn’t decrease pains then he given me injections and i got little relief then again did test which came as esr 10 crp 0.09 and anti ccp is 0.5 and ANA negative RAF with 52 then he told me to have pain killers aceclo plus but it didn’t work and i still have pains and they are increasing at first i have only pains in ankles and knees finger but now i have at hips back neck what should i do mam please suggest?

I tested positive for ANA. My doctor ordered an RF test along with a Sed Rate. They both came back normal. Does this rule out other possible diseases causing my ANA to be positive?

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

It was a good first step at ruling out Rheumatoid Arthritis, but there are many other conditions we consider when evaluating a +ANA. The tests we run and the conditions we look for, however, is dependent on the individual's symptoms. It may be worthwhile to ask your doc how they think about your +ANA result and where they think it comes from. (remember, many with a +ANA will have no medical conditions)

what food are suitable for RF disease ? tq

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

The role food plays in inflammation is complicated and very individual. I have topics related to diet on my list for upcoming vids so stay tuned!

IAM from India I have anti ccp>500. And RA factor is 84.6 what is my condition? IAM scared plz gave some advice mam... thank you.

If increased rheumatoid factor be increased because of anything like stress or deficiencies of some sort ? , or could it just be high ?, as a teen everything i read pretty much tells me I’m screwed either way ://

Thanks for this video. As always, you are very informative and that's great for people like myself who are suffering but don't yet have answers. Just to confuse things, my pain is migratory. I have it in both hands, both knees, both feet and both shoulders but never at the same time. I have spondylitis and I also have this awful dry flaking skin on my hands that won't clear up, which makes me look like I have some awful infectious disease. I'm ANA negative, anti CCP25, RF 33, CRP 15 and platelets have been around 511 for the past six months. All I'm presently taking is pain killers because my rheumatologist doesn't seem to have a clue of what this is. I also have NHL (remission) but my hematologist doesn't believe this is anything to do with lymphoma.

my 17 year old daughter has a rhuematoid factor over 500! her ccp, ssa, ssb, cardiolipin were all negative. she has joint pain, random swellings in soft tissues and around joints, IBS, constant daily nausea, dry eyes of autoimmune origin from scwemer test, dry mouth, headaches, and anxiety..... and was sent away by two rhuematologists because her joints were not inflamed, red or hot. This is so unbelievable to me. she is sick everyday and with this blood test at 17 and family history of RA and anticardiolipin. What can I do for her?

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so sorry to hear this! I can’t presume to know the thought process of the doctors you have seen but I agree that a RF in someone that young deserves a bit more digging, either by a rheumatologist or a primary care doctor. As frustrating as it may be, I would keep hunting for a rheumatologist. Finding someone through a personal referral or a large academic center (if you are near one) may get you a worthwhile 3rd opinion. I’d also recommend keeping as detailed a symptom diary as possible (keeping track of diet, menstrual cycle, stress, meds (if she takes any) and symptoms). Again, I can’t recommend any specific test or treatment over this platform as I’m not her doctor, but Sjögren’s syndrome can have dry eyes, dry mouth, a high RF AND negative SSA/SSB antibodies (despite what many docs think) - in cases like this a lip biopsy (done by an ENT doctor) can be done to attempt to confirm the diagnosis. This may be something worth discussing either with her primary care doctor or rheumatologist. Hang in there!

@colemansines9722

3 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology Thank you for confirming not to give up and some ideas!! I will start the daily record and keep looking for 3rd opinion.

@darrylb8320

2 жыл бұрын

Check for cryoglobulineamia, my RF varies up to 280 with all the symptoms of RF except swollen red joints, I have been misdiagnosed for 24 yrs by many Rhuematologists!!! You need a special lab who is very familiar with doing cryoglobulineamia tests. All my other RF tests ESR, CRP etc are normal. Good luck.

My Rf is

What if your level is low what does that mean

Hello Doctor, thank you for posting this video. I have Rheumatoid Factor of 598 !! I have done an anti CCP test to check for Arthritis which came back from the lab with a score of less than 1 which excludes Arthritis. I am now entering my 3rd year of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. No Doctor knows why I have this powerful fatigue for so long. The only thing really that they found was my FR being this highest anyone has ever seen. Does a highly elevated RF score cause Chronic Fatigue? If so how an I lower my RF? Also what are your charges for Zoom Consultations? Regards Julian

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been struggling for 3 years! A high RF doesn’t caused chronic fatigue but people with CFS can certainly have a +RF. But, I agree with you, that your level is higher than what we would typically see in CFS or in people without an autoimmune condition. Teasing out the reason for such high antibody levels in someone who doesn’t have the “classic” symptoms one would expect can take time and sometimes some trials of medications to evaluate for improvement (in how you feel, no in the lab result) are necessary. I do telemedicine consults but right now, only for patients in California and Texas, you can find out more here: connectedrheumatology.com/what-we-do Hope this helps and good luck!

@julianfalciola5237

3 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology Thanks so much for your reply. Both my IgG and IgA are on the upper high side of the bracket with out it being outside the normal bracket. My latest RF Score from last week went down from 598 to 489 which is some kind of improvement. I hope it keeps going down. Thanks so much for your KZread Videos and for your kind reply. Thanks Julian

@tjgrafiks

3 жыл бұрын

@@julianfalciola5237 whats happening with your diet? were u having any digestion issues the last few months or even years. lots of gas. bloating or reactions to foods. have developed any food intolerances or sensitivities? u could be dealing with a gut issue “leaky”. or were you exposed or possibly being exposed to mold? RF develop as a result of what we’re ingesting or being exposed to or do u have any neck issues? experiencing any ringing in the ears or neck pain? i would start with cutting sugar, gluten and wheat from your diet or significantly lowering them for a few weeks/months and see what happens.

@julianfalciola5237

3 жыл бұрын

@@tjgrafiks Thanks so much for reaching out to me. I have a long story but I will keep it as short as possible. From my early 20's I ate a very clean diet. I used to play representative soccer and I was always fit. At work, I worked harder than what I should have for decades. Early 2019 I felt a very strong fatigue where I had to stop working completely. I then got this strange noise in my ear that sounds similar to popcorn popping in my ear that lasted for 2 weeks. Then soon after I got diahreah. The Dr gave me an antibiotic called Metronidazole. My diahreah got 10 times worse with the medicine, my entire gut and digestive system was on fire and on the 5th day I collapsed. My life since then has never been the same. After the medicine I got food and vitamin supplement sensitivities that I never had. My food sensitivities are almost all gone but I still have vitamin supplement sensitivities. My food sensitivities feels like a knife stabbing me in the brain and 10 seconds later I get hypertension. Yes I do have neck pain. I have had neck pain for more than 2 years, it feels constantly strained. I am off gluten for more than 2 years. My poor Wife looks after me. She is an Angel from God and my best friend. I have no energy at all and the Doctors here in Australia do not really know what to do for me, most of them just tell me to see a psychiatrist. I have run out of ideas. It's a brutal existance but I willing and eager to listen to new ideas. God bless you for your response to me. Regards Julian

@tjgrafiks

3 жыл бұрын

@@julianfalciola5237 I too have been living a pretty clean diet for the last 10 yrs with a long story and have been on my journey and suddenly started developing symptoms since 2019 also but they faded and then in august of 2020 my body literally started going crazy one day. lots of joint pain then excruciating headaches then muscles, then swollen joints then by month 3-4 started losing weight. Have you had any unintended weight loss also? ur issues may be neck related. I saw a chiropractor the first week of 2019 and my health steadily declined after that visit where he tried to crack/adjust my neck when i wasn't relaxed and ready. I too played lots of sports, soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, cycling, track and field and have had many falls and blows to the back and neck over the years. Look into something called Cervical Instability. Look up Dr. Hauser on youtube. neck/compression/inflammation of nerves can cause a host of issues especially if nothing can be found through blood tests or scans. I've also spent years struggling with chronic fatigue and muscle and joint pains on and off over the years. I also worked hard. at one point in my early 20's i worked 3 jobs so i could put myself back in school. antibiotics probably made your issues worse by destroying your gut bacteria and intestinal flora. start taking probiotics and just stick to fruits and veggies and vit D3 +K2, vit C, B vitamins and Omega 3 which helps with inflammation. your vagus nerve my be affected and this nerve connects from the brain down to the spleen and can affect many things from eyes, breathing, heart rate, organ function...liver, pancreas, kidneys stomach/digestion etc.

Hi I had Rheumatoid factor raised 126 and ACCP TEST positive 120 ESR is 26 and CRP is 5.2 also type 2 diabetes and mild pain and swelling in one hand finger what would you advise

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

I would recommend getting a full evaluation by a rheumatologist. The ACCP test is a reasonably specific test for Rheumatoid Arthritis but it sounds like you don’t have significant symptoms. (Although I would argue your symptoms were significant enough to deserve testing). A full evaluation could help determine if 1. Your labs and symptoms do, indeed, point to a RA diagnosis and 2. What treatment is best. Even without significant symptoms, treatment may be warranted as we know that early treatment in RA produces the best outcomes. Hope this helps and good luck!

@aqilurrehman1835

3 жыл бұрын

Rheumatologist diagnosed early rheumatoid arthritis I am also a doctor want to know the tenosynovitis will Improve with treatment hydroxychloroquine and for how much duration treatment will be given what follow up as being doctor I am much worried pain in knee joints also age 51 years female will you advise me any other test

Do I have a ra ?

Hello Doctor , my wife report came with RA as 23.4 , and she is 33 year old, is it going to be serious or we can come over it ?

@goldentimes7731

2 жыл бұрын

Have you done the Anti CCP test ? I also have RA Factor 24 but Anti CCP Negative.

@Heyshoaibkhan

9 ай бұрын

@@goldentimes7731so what the doctor told you with these results ?

*Please help me I am very worried* I am 20 year old Female, got an ESR of 52, Anti CCP 0.63 U/mL , CRP 21.2 mg/L , RA factor is negative. Also I took my CoViD Vaccination a few days ago(5days) these tests were done.Having knee pain in left side along with swelling, first had it 2 years ago late night in winters when I was studying. I do long hours sitting for studying.This swelling generally keeps reappearing but its more of muscle stiffness than joint pain. My Doctor was also not very sure about my condition and gave me arthritis medication a few weeks ago which I didn't follow. So what is your take on it? Is it arthritis or something else?

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

My first thought is, yes, your symptoms and labs need to be taken seriously. The vaccination could have caused a temporary inflammatory reaction that lead to the elevated ESR, CRP and joint pain, however if your symptoms persist, the further out you get from the vaccine, then seeing a rheumatologist would definitely be worthwhile. There are other types of arthritis, aside from Rheumatoid Arthritis that can and should be considered, but this is done by your rheumatologist. I'm not sure what kind of medication you are referring to when you said "arthritis medication" but I would encourage you to follow your doctor's advice. Many times we get concerned that pain or anti-inflammatory medication is just a "bandaid" or just going to mask the symptoms, but they can provide relief while you and your doctors try to figure out what is going on. Feeling better while on the medication doesn't mean that your doctor's will stop looking into you or your symptoms and it doesn't mean you will need to be on it forever, it can just provide some relief in the meantime (again, assuming the medication you are referring to was an anti-inflammatory or pain medication). Hang in there and hope this helps!

@rashmibhati2378

3 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology Thank you so much for replying but as I mentioned earlier it is not pain sort of thing its more of stiffness . One more thing which I observed was if I give time to my body it stops giving such responses. Like a few months ago I used to walk daily for an hour during that time I didn't had any pain in my knee then I stopped walking for almost a month or so and used to sit literally for more than 15 hours, the swelling reoccurred now i started walking again and now stiffness and pain is gone. I mean it is feeling just like my other knee,nothing seems problematic but when i try to do squats as i stand up it feels a little stress going on in there, but I feel no difficulty while standing up . So my question is can't it be some injury in the ligament or anything? One more thing to be mentioned here is my Xray is normal uric acid level is normal too. Also the medication he prescribed was some sort of steroidal combination which actually i didn't purchased so I don't know its name or salt.

@pragmatic_p8

2 жыл бұрын

Hi even I have similar symptoms after vaccination and I too study long hours age 21. RF factor is positive and anti CCP value is negative,no esr and CRP values... Could you tell me your present situation?

@rashmibhati2378

2 жыл бұрын

@@pragmatic_p8 I started "Ayurvedic medicines" approximately 6 months ago and since then have never experienced the symptoms again

@pragmatic_p8

2 жыл бұрын

@@rashmibhati2378 do you still take ayurvedic medicines? Which medicine? Did doctor confirmed that you have Rheumatoid Arthritis? What are your present reports?

Are there ways to lower RF ?

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

Aside from treating the disease that’s causing the RF to be elevated, no. Even successfully treating the disease, won’t necessarily lower the RF level or make it become “negative” or undetectable. Lots of things can cause an elevated RF (Rheumatoid arthritis, infection, etc) and in all of those conditions, the elevated RF is more of a marker of something inflammatory going on, as opposed to being the actual cause of the disease. Also remember, RF can be elevated without any disease. The RF doesn’t CAUSE disease, hence, it’s not usually the doctor’s goal to lower the level. Depending on the situation, the RF level can go up and down on it’s own and is generally felt to be a non-specific marker. What the RF level is a marker FOR is much more important information (Rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, Sjögren’s syndrome, for example) than the actual level. Hope this helps!

@thiamc4382

Жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology thank you for answering Violet’s question. I too am wondering why / how one could be positive RF then negative the next cycle of testing. Quite frustrating. Non specific. SSA here with neuropathies - super fun! Love your videos. 🤍

I m 24 years old and I have RA since I was 17 years old and this pain still in my body morning I cant get up from my bed because of so much pain and slowly in the day it's get better, I treated by alot of doctor in Pakistan but it cant help please help me and share treatment with me

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to hear you are still suffering. Having RA since adolescence can be very difficult for a number of reasons. One thing to consider and talk about more with your doctor is the possibility of having concurrent fibromyalgia with your arthritis. It is not uncommon for young adults with a long history of arthritis to also develop many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It can be confusing because both conditions result in pain and morning stiffness. RA medications are helpful at balancing the immune system to lower the inflammation but they are not particularly effective at balancing the nervous system, which is what can be off balance in fibromyalgia. Many patients in your situation have found relief with treatment focused on fibromyalgia combined with their RA meds. It may be worthwhile to view my video on chronic pain and the nervous system:kzread.info/dash/bejne/onyIlZiLfZi1Zrw.html, to better understand what I mean so you can talk about it more with your doctor. Hope this helps!

Mine was at 21 % they said

@christopheralexanderlopez6493

2 жыл бұрын

Same to mine

i have R.A mam can it cure

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, at this time, RA is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. Thankfully, however, with a better understanding of the condition, have come a slew of new, targeted therapies that have truly altered the way we treat RA and the long term outcomes for patients. It can take some time to find the right medication out there for you but we are in a much better position than we were, even 20 years ago. Good luck!

I am 23 old and my RA factor is 21 it can be tritment root level

@Sweety-ii2ww

Жыл бұрын

How r u now? Do u have negative anti ccp

9/2023. Awesome info!! Can you actually have PMR if you had a positive RF ?(92). I am desperately searching for answers! My husband diagnosed with RA due to this test primarily. He had debilitating pain (both shoulders, hips at first; absolutely no foot/ankle pain, fingers or fatigue)come on him within 48 hours that was relieved within hours with prednisone! No joint swelling or pain. He fits all the criteria for PMR (watched ur video) but doc says he can’t have PMR if he EVER had a positive RF factor 🤨 (he is 58 with absolutely no prior health issues or than did have some hip area pain when driving long distances on heavy equipment)

I'm positive

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

It can be scary, but having a thorough evaluation by a rheumatologist will help get to the bottom of why you have the +RF. Good luck!

@christopheralexanderlopez6493

2 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology yes ma'am I've already seen a rheumatologist and they did some x-rays and blood test I have to wait now for results

@christopheralexanderlopez6493

2 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology they said I didn't have RA

Hi mam in my blood test RA factor is 3.1 ESR is 55 and anti CCP is

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

ESR is notoriously non-specific and can be elevated for a number of reasons. The upper limit of normal goes up as we get older as well, which is another fact to consider. I would recommend returning to your doctor, reviewing your symptoms and discussing next steps to try to figure out why the ESR is elevated. Good luck!

Mine is just abit high from a blood test but I feel normal fine workout everyday I’m 28 I got another test tomorrow just to make sure hope it’s ok I think it will as I feel fine mine was 14 IU/ml could it be something else I have?

@ConnectedRheumatology

3 жыл бұрын

The biggest question I would have for your doctor is why it was checked in the first place. That will give you the most information as to whether or not it needs to be looked into further or it should just be filed away. RF's can be positive in alot of other circumstances and how you feel and what your other labs are key in deciding how to approach your result. Good luck!

@Hondafn

3 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology I feel fine I just got bloods done to see how everything was

Hi doctor...my Ra factor value is 20 ...is it normal

@ConnectedRheumatology

2 жыл бұрын

When lab results are reported, they are also reported with a reference range of what that lab considers "normal." If your result falls out of that normal range, then you and your doc can talk about what it could mean and what needs to be done. Hope this helps!