Question about RA factor, and other problems.

[Guest guest]

Hi fellow Stilligans

I saw my Rheumy today. After being diagnosed with Stills in May of '99 I

now suddenly have a positive RA factor. We are not sure what this means.

Is it a false positive? (one of my liver functions is off and he says that

this can effect the blood test). Do I now have Rheumatoid Arthritis as well

as/instead of Stills?

I will be taking new blood tests in about 6 weeks that will again test for

the RA factor, as well as liver functions and Hepatitis (he is worried that

this may be why the liver functions are elevated.) There is also a question

of what (if it isn't Hepatitis- and I hope it isn't) is causing these

abnormal readings. Is it one of the meds?

I also got back my lipid profile, which is far from perfect. My PCP is

already telling me that I will have to go on a Statin, but I won't do it if

the liver functions aren't normal. He is really into " better living through

chemistry " . I don't know what I will do with him as he is a really good

doctor.

Back to the Rheumy...We are again talking about MTX, but not until my liver

has at least 4 months of perfect tests. In the meantime I am trying to wean

off the Pred. I went down to 1mg about 2 weeks ago. I would like to go

down the next one in about 4 weeks, if I have no greater pain than today.

Should I ask for a 1/2 mg prescription and do it more gradually, or go with

the total cessation?

Thanks for any help.

Ann K

[Guest guest]

I also had the RA factor and ANA done today along with CRP.arthritis

profile,liver and kidney functions. and cortisal levels

will let you know what i find out. I do know my ana last month at mayo was

normal

love connie

[Guest guest]

I also had the RA factor and ANA done today along with CRP.arthritis

profile,liver and kidney functions. and cortisal levels

will let you know what i find out. I do know my ana last month at mayo was

normal

love connie

[Guest guest]

Dear Ann,

Thanks for the info. I wish I could be of more help. I would be interested

in knowing what you find out. It sounds like you have some good Doc's. My

liver function tests are not in the normal range. I have no idea what is

causing this either. What meds are you taking? I believe some meds could

cause this.

What is a statin? The RA factor is interesting. I would go as slow as

possible weaning off the Prednisone. I am so glad you have been able to

wean off of it. Let us know what happens. Sorry I couldn't be of more

help.

Love,

jatw@...

[Guest guest]

Oh Ann,

although I have no answers about your meds, I just wanted you to know, that you

are in my thoughts, and I hope that all will turn out with your liver profile.

I hope that everything will be okay friend. Hugs,

Love, Sue #2

[Guest guest]

Good luck at the doctors Ann, our love and smiles go with you. Till soon,

Melt

Re: Question about RA factor, and other problems.

>

>

> . What meds are you taking? I believe some meds could

> > cause this.

>

> I am taking Prilosec, Prednisone (1mg), Fosamax, Potassium (by

percription)

> and lots of vitamines, minerals and other nutrients.

> >

> > What is a statin?

>

> It is the class of drugs they use to lower cholesterol, like Lipitor. They

> can cause liver problems and muscle pains as well as possible heart

problems

> (because it is a muscle).

>

> Thanks for your interest, and everyone else who has tried to help.

I

> will see my PCP tomorrow and we will take it from there.

> Ann K

>

>

>

>

> Visit the Still's Disease Message Board

> http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good luck at the doctors Ann, our love and smiles go with you. Till soon,

Melt

Re: Question about RA factor, and other problems.

>

>

> . What meds are you taking? I believe some meds could

> > cause this.

>

> I am taking Prilosec, Prednisone (1mg), Fosamax, Potassium (by

percription)

> and lots of vitamines, minerals and other nutrients.

> >

> > What is a statin?

>

> It is the class of drugs they use to lower cholesterol, like Lipitor. They

> can cause liver problems and muscle pains as well as possible heart

problems

> (because it is a muscle).

>

> Thanks for your interest, and everyone else who has tried to help.

I

> will see my PCP tomorrow and we will take it from there.

> Ann K

>

>

>

>

> Visit the Still's Disease Message Board

> http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good luck at the doctors Ann, our love and smiles go with you. Till soon,

Melt

Re: Question about RA factor, and other problems.

>

>

> . What meds are you taking? I believe some meds could

> > cause this.

>

> I am taking Prilosec, Prednisone (1mg), Fosamax, Potassium (by

percription)

> and lots of vitamines, minerals and other nutrients.

> >

> > What is a statin?

>

> It is the class of drugs they use to lower cholesterol, like Lipitor. They

> can cause liver problems and muscle pains as well as possible heart

problems

> (because it is a muscle).

>

> Thanks for your interest, and everyone else who has tried to help.

I

> will see my PCP tomorrow and we will take it from there.

> Ann K

>

>

>

>

> Visit the Still's Disease Message Board

> http://disc.server.com/Indices/148599.html

>

>