rheumatoid factor (test) and rheumatoid arthritis

[Guest guest]

hi all,

tho i have had cfs for 20 yrs, i have luckily been free of joint pain

during the time. suddenly tho, i have been experiencing joint pains

since last summer. both of my thumb joints hurt. now, as of last

week, some other joints are hurting, too. (i have been near bedridden

for a month and it is cold here (northeast, USA). so maybe that is

it...?)

but i just got tested for Rheumatoid Factor (which i think tests for

rheumatoid arthritis). my test results say it is high. i got 20, when

the reference range is <14 IU/mL

i'm doing some online research and i see the this test result can be

high even if you do not have rheumatoid arthritis; it can be high

also if you have other chronic illness, including what some websites

called " chronic mono. "

do others on this list have high Rheumatoid Factor test results but

do not have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

best,

rivka