Hello! I have been seeing a rheumatologist for approximatley 1 1/2 years now. We were both convinced there was a major inflammatory process going on. He has already diagnosed me w/fibromyalgia, connective tissue disorder and osteoarthritis. He knew there was arthritic activity but was falling short of calling it RA. He's a wonderful dr who truly listens to his patients and did not want to "rubber stamp" the condition due to it having such "permanency". My ANA was elevated but my rheumatoid factor was negative. I should probably also mention I had a very serious case of Lyme disease which warranted implantation of a pacemaker due to multiple episodes of Lyme Carditis and 7 varying degrees of heart block. Anyway, my primary physician asked me to confirm I was definitively diagnosed w/ RA because I have been receiving Humira for approx 6 months. My rheumy performed a blood test called Vectra testing (it tests multiple facets of your DNA for rheumatoid specific points). That testing came back extremely positive and he says it defintively provides the diagnosis of RA (since my symptomology was more vague). I keep using the word "definitive" because, as I'm sure you've been through, there's a lot of "maybe's" and "could be"s, etc. The main intent of Vectra is an objective measure to ensure current treatment is effective. However, it's also good because it shows DNA activity only in those affected by RA. The testing is expensive. However, the company will pay for any of your out of pocket costs over insurance. Even though I suspeted the diagnosis, I was torn between being glad that at least I know what it was and sad because I know the disfiguring pain my aunt went through. Now, I've decided that since I've been living with it for at least 5 years already (1 1/2 actually being treated), my treatment is already showing improvement in that my continuous pain is less intense and more sporadic. I really hope people really understand it does take patience when dealing with this and there are many people who would like to share experiences to help alleviate the stress. Thanks for letting me bug out for a sec there. Feel well!
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Hello! I have been seeing a rheumatologist for approximatley 1 1/2 years now. We were both convinced there was a major inflammatory process going on. He has already diagnosed me w/fibromyalgia, connective tissue disorder and osteoarthritis. He knew there was arthritic activity but was falling short of calling it RA. He's a wonderful dr who truly listens to his patients and did not want to "rubber stamp" the condition due to it having such "permanency". My ANA was elevated but my rheumatoid factor was negative. I should probably also mention I had a very serious case of Lyme disease which warranted implantation of a pacemaker due to multiple episodes of Lyme Carditis and 7 varying degrees of heart block. Anyway, my primary physician asked me to confirm I was definitively diagnosed w/ RA because I have been receiving Humira for approx 6 months. My rheumy performed a blood test called Vectra testing (it tests multiple facets of your DNA for rheumatoid specific points). That testing came back extremely positive and he says it defintively provides the diagnosis of RA (since my symptomology was more vague). I keep using the word "definitive" because, as I'm sure you've been through, there's a lot of "maybe's" and "could be"s, etc. The main intent of Vectra is an objective measure to ensure current treatment is effective. However, it's also good because it shows DNA activity only in those affected by RA. The testing is expensive. However, the company will pay for any of your out of pocket costs over insurance. Even though I suspeted the diagnosis, I was torn between being glad that at least I know what it was and sad because I know the disfiguring pain my aunt went through. Now, I've decided that since I've been living with it for at least 5 years already (1 1/2 actually being treated), my treatment is already showing improvement in that my continuous pain is less intense and more sporadic. I really hope people really understand it does take patience when dealing with this and there are many people who would like to share experiences to help alleviate the stress. Thanks for letting me bug out for a sec there. Feel well!
January 25, 2012 - 8:36pmThis Comment
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