RE: Doctor in ville Fl?

[Guest guest]

The American College

of Rheumatology has seven criteria for diagnosing RA but the disease varies so

much from person to person that any four of the criteria will qualify for a

positive diagnosis.

1. Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present daily for

at least 6 weeks

2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

3. Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks

4. Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks

5. Rheumatoid nodules

6. Positive rheumatoid factor (blood test)

7. Joint changes on x-ray

RA can be very hard to diagnose and even a

good rheumatologist may take a year or more to be confident in a diagnosis, or

some patients who fit the textbooks better may be diagnosed on the first visit.

The only other diagnostic tests that might help are x-rays or MRI and a blood

test for anti-CCP. Well, I guess either a SED rate or CRP on the blood

test would supply some information because these are likely to be positive if

you have any inflammation anywhere in your body. The rest of diagnosis is

patient history and doctor’s observation.

I’m in the northwest part of the

country (Washington state) so I can’t

help much with ville.

God bless.

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of deanbclarke

Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 1:26

PM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject:

Doctor in ville Fl?

Hi. I'm looking for a good rhumatologist in the ville area.

One of my friends was just diagnosed based on a positive rhumatiod

factor. Should she be having any other diagnostics done to confirm RA?

I have quite a few auto immune diseases but don't know to much about

RA. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Donna e

donnatcverizon (DOT) net