How can you have RA with a negative RA Factor

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I'm very advanced with health issues but I have always had a a negative ana, ra factor normal etc. I have several vitamin deficiencies

2

It's just one parameter out of few. I don't remember if 15% of RA patients have or do not have positive RA but I am sure that at least 15% have it negative (I am one of this statistics). ANA is another parameter that they examine. As well at cRP. Less conclusive but helps in diagnosis. Clinics speaks the loudest.

3

Does it eventually turn positive, and is positive worst because negative seems to be awful. Disabling

4

I am pretty sure I've had since my early 20s, and didn't know til after several health issues and surgeries. And I am getting worst but negative. I recently been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, venous stasis and raynauds disease and had to have 2 veins burnt out, one day more than likely lose my leg or legs from the knee down. Since I was 26 my health has gotten bad, but the last 2 years have been hell, issues with bladder kidneys, hands and feet kill me. Now my right leg is bigger than my left so I have 2 see wth is going on. I'm only 37

5

I have more heath problems than I listed and severe but my hands can't hold up 2 text it all.

6

My understanding has alwasys been that 20% of RA sufferers are seronegative and must be clinically diagnosed. The treatment is the same.

I am a negative RA person. (Of course I'M not negative, actually I'm quite positive...!!)

7

I am negative but my case is severe, it doesn't make sense.

8

I have RA but am negative for RA factor and have been for 9 years. I believe it can change to positive (but unlikely but I may be wrong) but it's a positive thing to be negative, if you know what I mean?

Kat x

9

Yes, my GP also said that 20% of RA patients test negative for Rhematoid Factor. I'm one of them. I recently took part in a genetic test to see if this has any bearing on why some drugs work well for various patients and some don't. The medical profession seems to suspect the + or - thing is significant but are still trying to figure out how. It will be a few years before the genetic test results are in.

10

If I have this it will be the answer to all my years of suffering although I think it maybe to late for any kind of turning back. I'm so ready 2 get results for the rheumatologist. What's crazy is one time I had a positive ANA test and normal since so they said that must not been an error. And my RA factor is good but they are 4 sure I have it. I need some relief and soon!

11

DON'T WORRY ABOUT HOW MUCH SENSE IT MAKES.

NONE OF THIS MAKES MUCH SENSE WHEN YOU GO INTO IT. IT IS SIMPLY A FACT: SERONEGATIVES REQUIRE CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND THEIR SYMPTOMS CAN BE AS SERVERE AS ANYONE'S.

EXCUSE THE CAPS. MY KEYBOARD IS STUCK.

NO, I'M NOT SHOUTING!

12

I got you kathryn, but 2 be a negative I'm pretty ill, thanks

13

Thanks, and no doubt that it can't be just as serious. Thanks!