Question
I am 26 years old and went to my doctor about progressive ankle swelling and all around slight body pain. My doctor decided to do a Westergren, CBC, and RF. My CBC showed slightly abnormal kidney function (dehydration), my Westergren was 1, but my RF was 92.2 (High huh?). My doctor has informed me of RA. I have tested negative for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, etc. Is this normal even though I am a 26 year old female or can this be genetics running it’s course. Would a retest be applicable in my case?
Answer
I agree that the RF is high is deserves a retest. But more importantly you need a rheumatology consultation. The key to your comments is the “all around slight body pain”. RA is a “polyarthritis” meaning multiple joint affected– so if this is RA, then your slight pain in other areas may progress to a true arthritis. On the optimistic side, RF can be positive transiently in viral illness or in some patients positive for no apparent reason.
