Question
I have a positive ANA 1:40 speckled, no pattern. Also Citrulline AB was 31 and Rheumatoid Factor of 20. However, I do not have a lot of pain, just intense fatigue, numbness in feet and hands, some back and neck pain, muscle "jerks" in my legs when at rest, night sweats, confusion, weight loss, irritable bowel, eye pain. Is it common for people to test positive for RA, but not have consistent symptoms? From what I have read, it sounds to me more like I have MS. however, when they did a brain MRI, there were numerous "bright spots" showing demylenization but the doctor said it wasn't MS, but probably headaches.
Thanks for any ideas.

Answer
Carol,

RA Factor is not considered high until it is over 20. It is possible to have a positive RA Factor and have no disease at all. Obviously with your symptoms you have something going on in your body.

I know this must be frustrating for you. While I can not offer any type of diagnosis here is some information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you might be interested in.

A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms include:

   * cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
   * postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or mental exercise
   * unrefreshing sleep
   * joint pain (without redness or swelling)
   * persistent muscle pain
   * headaches of a new type or severity
   * tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
   * sore throat

Other Common Symptoms

In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequency of occurrence of these symptoms varies among patients. These symptoms include:

   * irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
   * chills and night sweats
   * brain fog
   * chest pain
   * shortness of breath
   * chronic cough
   * visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
   * allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
   * difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)
   * psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)
   * jaw pain
   * weight loss or gain

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/a-c/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm