I had two aunts with RA that were both very crippled. My hands

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Health Question?)

I had two aunts with RA that were both very crippled. My hands were starting to hurting. I did go to my personal physician and told her all my symptoms . She did a Lipid profile, TSH and a thyroxine, total, free. Now three years later my hand and elbows mainly and my knees getting up and down are killing me. The pain in my hands and up my arms is waking me up at night. The mornings are really bad. I know my doctor ran other tests like my RA factor and stuff. My hair was also falling out at the time amd I have like skin irritations(looks like dry skin I can never get rid of)on my elbows and knees. My hands go numb very fast, even if I shake them down to get blood to them it takes what seems forever to get feeling back in them. My doctor just was not really concerned. My symptoms now are much worse. Once you are tested for RA are you always negative? I don't know to start looking for other causes or really if there is a test. I just need some advice. I can't even type myself or open the simplest bottle of water after it has already been opened. One other thing. the reason I am asking is because I am now self employed and have no health insurance. Please help with any direction you can give. Thanks Lisa Webber

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 38

Already Tried:
advil, tylenol,aleve

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

The Latex test (rheumatoid factor) is the most common test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in the blood when the body reacts to inflammation in the synovial membranes. However it is not always present at the beginning of the disease, so may bear reapeating over time if symptoms progress.

Recently, a serological test has been developed for the presence of so called anti-citrullinated protein (ACP) antibodies. ACP antibodies can be often detected in earlier stages of the disease, or even before disease onset, so this may be one option to pursue. The most common test for ACP antibodies is called the anti-CCP (cyclic citrulinated peptide) test.

Additionally, several other autoimmune disorders should be considered. Anti- Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) are present in patients whose immune system is predisposed to cause an inflammatory attack against their own body tissues. These antibodies are called auto-antibodies. When an immune system works against its own body the condition is referred to as autoimmunity. Presence of ANA is more generalized tham RF, so may provide a broader picture. Other antibodies seen in the autoimmune disorder family may include : Anti-DNA or anti-Sm antibodies, and anticardiolipin antibodies (just to name a few. Testing can become quite complicated, and expensive and may make insurance difficult to obtain in the future. Short term disability benefits, including insurance benefits may be available if you are becoming unable to work. Some local Hospitals provide a sliding fee scale for certain tests and procedures (call their medical social worker or business office to check). Most provide very liberal payment plans, and will be satisfied with small payments toward the overall bill. With the symptoms you describe, and their rapid progression you should schedule an initial consult with a Rheumatologist asap. This will be an opportunity to review your options and make a plan. Be up front about your financial concerns as well so testing may be planned that is both effective and cost conscious.

I hope my answer is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I am happy to help. If not, please click "accept" so I may receive credit for my work.
Positive feedback and a bonus is appreciated when you feel I've earned it. Thank you, Christy

Reply to Christy Hammond's Post: Thanks you Christy! It sounds like I better get some health insurance before I go to the doctor. My symptoms are so bad right now though. In your opinion and I understand that it is an opinion and you are not my doctor. Would it hurt to wait. I have read a lot about the Ra on the internet. I did not know it could affect your internal organs. I have every syptom for RA. I also have three wonderful children that I want to be able to play with the rest of my life. Is there just one specific test I could ask for to conferm or do you need to have all of them done. I read a lot about herbs and stuff you can take to help. I don't even know what is the best thing to take for my pain now. Any suggestions. Again thanks a million. I will make yet another donation for this. Have they found that it does run in family's? My Aunt ended up in the nusing home and we would go take care of her. She was 89 when she died and was still knitting blankets for everyone. I know I can over come this. Thanks again. Lisa

THIS ANSWER IS LOCKED!
You can view this answer by clicking here to Register or Login and paying $3.

I found a comprehensive list of diagnostic criteria for RA developed by the American College of Rheumatology in 1988. According to the association these are still used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.

There are seven criteria:,

1. Morning stiffness > 1 hour
2. Arthritic changes in three or more joint areas on this list:
middle joint of the fingers,
the knuckles
wrist,
elbow,
knee,
ankle,
toe/foot joint
3. Arthritis in multiple hand joints: (wrist, knuckles, finger joints)
4. Symmetrical joint swelling with the following pattern:

swelling of the same joint bilaterally
or
Bilateral swelling of the joints, but not necessarily the same joint on both sides

and affecting the following joints:
middle joint of the fingers, the knuckles, and/or the joint between the toes and the foot
5. Nodules under the skin over pressure points or bone protrusions
6. Positive RF (rheumatoid factor) test
7. Decalcified areas of (more porous) bone or uneven patches of bone erosion around the joints affected by RA. (osteoporosis or universally thinning bones throughout the body do not qualify)

Criteria 1 through 4 must have been present for at least 6 weeks to be considered significant, and four criteria total must be present to diagnose RA. I emailed the association to find out if anti-CCP has been added to, or replaced RF on the cinerea list.

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Online Health Advice

how are you diagnosed with RA?

Related Answers