Rheumatoid Arthritis Q & A

My RF was 1000…..what does this mean? How high can it actually go? …. I was already diagnosed with sleep apnea and fibromailgia (sp?)this past week and now my rheumatoid factor comes back this high… I am seeing a neurologist, rheumologist, and integrative medicine doctor. I am supposed to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor in three weeks to see about getting tonsils, adnoids, etc. removed to improve my sleep apnea,,,, but I want to know what to expect from that high of a factor. Thank you, Sarah

I have had RA for 16 years and am currently on Enbrel and imuron. This week I have been diagnosed with shingles and a urinary tract infection. Could this be a result of my weakened immune system and should I stop the Enbrel?

Hello, My doc is recommending I switch from Humira to Remicade to better control my RA. Can I expect better results from Remicade? The RA recently ruptured four extension tendons in my right hand. I just had surgery on those and am being told that if the disease isn’t better controlled that my left hand will most likely follow suit. Is moving to Remicade a reasonable course of action? Thanks.

I’ve got RA and tried rituximab. Got 1/3 of the way through the infusion and had a reation of wheezing/urticaria so it was D/C’ed. Would the same thing happen if I took abatacept?

Please recommend a facility by my area in Long Island, New York, that specializes in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Please it is really important! Thank you

I have read about a new drug for RA. Rituxan ( rituximab ) I would like to have more info on this drug and it’s side affects. Have been on methotrexate 2MG tabs.4 tabs once a week. I could not take it, my lungs kept filling with fluid and my primary Dr. took me off of it. I am hoping to find another drug that won’t be as hard on my system.Would appreciated any info you may have on Rituxam.