Rheumatoid Arthritis

I just got the results of my lab work today. It came back negative for RA, but my anti CCP antibodies test came back in the words of the doctor "VERY positive". For the last year, I have had pain and swelling in my wrists, the backs of my hands would become swollen, (htought i had Carpel Tunnel)my shoulders would hurt and become stiff for a day or two, knees the same thing. and then i might go a month or two with no problems. But in the last month now I am having stiff hands/fingers as a new symptom and more swelling of my fingers. they say (according to several websites) that if the Anti CCP Antibodies test comes back positive, then a person will develop RA about 90-95% percent of the time. So it looks like I might be heading down that path. Right now my doctor has told me to take Aleve for the next 30 days, two pills twice a day and see how that helps and then i am to go back and see her. She has not given me a definite diagnosis of RA. So I thought i would just join this group and start reading and learning all I can about RA. Thank you and any input on story above would be appreciated. I guess the Anti CCP Antibodies test is fairly new so i am wondering if any of you have tested positive for it and negative for RA and what your doctors think. Thank you.

Beth,

I, too, recently tested strongly positive on the anti-ccp test. I then went to see a Rheumatologist with my test results. She said that with my symptoms (which sound very close to what you are experiencing) and test result, she wanted to treat my RA quite aggressively and started me on methotrexate immediately. Each one of us is so different, but it sounds like you are already have RA (only my opinion- I am no doctor, just in a similar situation). The test would likely be a predictor if you were asymptomatic (again, only my opinion). Now with your syptoms plus test results, wouldn't that mean you have active RA? I advise you to see a board certified Rheumatologist. Mine really helped me understand where I stand, and where to go. By the way, I was told my syptoms + strong positive anti-ccp means I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been doing lots of research and it also is helping me. One thing I have read is that the higher the number on the anti-ccp test, the more likely for aggressive disease. Again, a good Rheumatologist would be the ideal way to find the answers you are looking for.
I will say a prayer for you. Hang in there!
Best Regards

Yes, i did read somewhere that a positive Anti CCP Antibodies test means you have RA. I have a follow up appointment with the Rheumatologist on Wednesday, the 16th of this month (in a few days). While I am there I am going to get a copy of all my blood work for me to review. I want to see exactly how positive my Anti CCP Antibodies test was. For the last 4 weeks my wrists have only really swelled up twice, once when bowling (right hand) and once when playing cards( again, right hand). In fact, my wrists for the most part do not bother me at the moment. However, I seem to have developed something else. My hands at times, have a tingling sensation, a burning sensation, and turn red, and sometimes sore when i make a fist. I am not sure if i would call them "stiff" About 5 days ago i noticed the tingling and burning sensation on the soles of my feet to a lesser degree. My hands have never stopped feeling wierd since March 3rd. I have found that my hands feel better when I ice them. which i did some internet search and came up with erythromelalgia, and the symptoms were similar. However, my symptoms could match many things! So, is the medication doing you some good? I hate to go on medications....but i have heard that early aggresive treatment is better if you are in the early stages of RA. Please tell me if you are getting some relief. Thank you. sorry for the long post!

Beth,

I have just join this board and I have a strong positive for Anti-ccp which was 162 and normal I think is below 20. You sound like you have symptoms of RA. My Rheumatologist started me on Humira which helps but the methotrexate makes me sick to my stomach. I do have/had tingling and burning sensation in my hands and feet but I don't know what it is. The tingling is better in my hands but I still get the burning. Mine doesn't not turn red or swell. I have never had any swelling at all. Remember that everyone is different and hang in there. Get a Rheumatologist that is aggressive with your treatment.

Renee

My Anti-CCP antibodies test came back at 212...ahahah!! but negative for RA test. In my last visit with the Rheumatologist she really feels i do not have RA at this time, because my symptoms are not like those of RA, and now none of my joints hurt and because i described symptoms like the swelling of my hands, burning, redness, same in my feet. she sent me to a Neurologist who confirmed I do not have Carpel tunnel syndrome, but my symptoms of pain in my wrist, etc. were so much like Carpel tunnel. Even got swelling and pain from bowling or playing cards and wrist pain. Anyway, the neurologist could not give me any straight answers, thought it could be erythromaligia OR something do do with my vascular/blood flow to my hands and feet. I have to call the Rheumatologist and go over what the neurologist said. It seems like my blood vessels swell on the back of my hand. i could be getting to much blood flow to my hands and feet. I may go to a vascular doctor too and have this also checked out. I am also going back to the Rheumatologist in 3 months for another RA test. I am a bit reluctant to start medications until i have a more definitive answer on my symptoms.