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Home / Ask the Expert / 26 years old with RA?

26 years old with RA?

April 10, 2007 By Arthritis Center

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.

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