Question
Hi Rusty

Just wanted to know a little more about a elevated RA .I started having alot vof pain in my finger joints and knees and my Dr tested me for several things but the only test abnormal was the RA at 15.9 .Ialso have postive ana and fibro . My Dr went on vacation for a week so Ido have a lot questions . Thanks for any help. Felicia

Answer
Felicia,

Your RA Factor is right at the edge of the normal zone. Normal is considered 0 - 15. This may or may not mean anything. The older you get the more likely you are to have a RA Factor in this range. Even some young people with no health problems have a RA in this range. I have seen RA Factor test at up to 500.

The combination of joint pain, elevated RA and positive ANA does suggest some type of autoimmune problem. I hope your doctor you are seeing is a Rheumatologist. If not and you do not get the answers you looking for or a definite diagnosis then ask for a referral. Some times it takes a specialist to accurately diagnose different types of rheumatoid conditions.

I wish you well

Rusty