Question
QUESTION: I am 47 years old and in the middle of a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and neuropathy in my feet. Is 64 a high rheumatoid factor? When tested 3 months ago it was 17. I hurt constantly and find it hard to do most activities. I am a 3rd grade special education teacher. I spend most evenings on the couch with heating pads and crying. My neurologist said that neuropathy is a pre-cursor to rheumatoid arthritis and thinks I should be on some kind of arthritis treatment. Is it a pre-cursor?

thank you so much!

ANSWER: Beth,

The normal range for RA Factor is 0 - 15. So yes it is high. Neuropathy is a symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Not every one that has RA has neurological problems. Some times nerve pain in the hands and or feet is the first symptom that someone notices. So in that case you could call it a pre-cursor. Most people who have neuropathy do not develop RA so in general it is not pre-cursor.

Sometimes the only way to know if RA is causing your neurological pain it to start a treatment. I know that some of the drugs used to treat RA sound scary. But most are not that bad and are safe when monitored by a doctor. You deserve a better life than the one you are living. I hope you find some answers that will stop the pain.

Rusty

Here is some more information about RA.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/Rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms/index.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Rusty,
Thank you so much.
Which RA drug or drug types would you recommend,  considering the neurological problems that I have?

Beth

Answer
Beth,

Sorry but I am not allowed to recommend drugs.

In general the drugs used to treat RA do not treat neurological pain. But if RA is causing the neuropathy then bringing the RA under control may lesson it. With a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and a RA Factor of 64 I hope you have been referred to a Rheumatologist. An elevated RA Factor can be seen in several autoimmune conditions. Finding out exactly what is causing this is essential to know before a good treatment plan can be developed.

I understand the type of pain you are suffering. Chemotherapy did major nerve damage in my body and I have major neuopathic pain problems and I am allergic to all the drugs used to treat this type of pain except anti-depressants. Cymbalta has done wonders for me. If your neurologist has not talked to you about this avenue of treatment it may be worth bringing up.

I wish you the best

Rusty