In the past I was diagnosed with RA. But Friday I went to a new Rheumatologist who is testing for Lupus. Can I get anyone's opinion on the following tests? In the meantime, I will go back to this new doctor again for her findings, as well as make an appointment with the Arthritis Institute.

Right Hand: Subchondral cystic changes of the base of the middle phalanx of the fifth finger with associated soft tissue swelling. Early erosive changes of the DIP joints of the 2nd and 3rd fingers.

Left Hand: Tiny erosive changes of the distal aspect of the middle phalanx of the DIP joint of the index finger.

Right Foot: Subchondral cystic changes are seen of the third and fifth metatarsal heads as well as early cystic changes of the base of the proximal phalanx of the third toe.

Left Foot: Erosive changes of the third metatarsal head.

Lab results:
BUN, Creatinine, Sodium, K+ Serum, Chloride, CO2 content, Anion Gap, SGPT, SGOT, C3 complement, C4 complement, HLA-B27, CRP Quant = All normal

DNA AB Double and Cycl Citrul Pep = still pending

Quan RA = High (33, reference <14 iu/ml)

Any thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

No information at all for you, canoepa, I'm still new to this arthritis thing myself. I don't even have my official diagnosis yet, but since my fingers are starting to look like an old crone's fingers, I don't think there is much doubt. My RA test, which my GP did, came back normal. Unlike you, I didn't think to ask for actual figures, so I don't even know what the test tests, or what normal is.
I just wanted to post so you would know someone has read your question. I'll watch with interest the answers others give you.
Hugs,

Sounds like RA to me folks! The high RA is the most frequent test to determine whether or not people have the rheumatoid factor. Also the arthritic changes to the joints look just like mine. I have sero-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sero-negative means blood tests negative but x-rays shows positive.

There may be futher tests that will prove out lupus. I'm really not sure. When do you see the rheumie or hear from him/her to find out what he/she thinks?

Billye

I see her on May 18. But will hopefully get into the Arthritis Institute before then.

Hi canoepa,
I just joined today. Was wondering if you went to your rheumy and what the results were. I have RA and belong to a group who are using antibiotics to recover from all the "autoimmune" diseases. We believe they are "infectious" diseases and we are going into remission. Jan

Antibiotics are some of what caused most of my ails so I wouldnt be too sure about that

As with Sharky -- I wonder how your group is doing with the antibiotics -- I know I have had some allergic reactions taking certain ones.

HAVE USED MINACYCLINE FOR 14 YEARS.(SIX CAPSULES A WEEK) ONLY SIDE AFFECT IS SKIN DISCOLORATION AFTER 12 YEARS AND I STILL GARDEN AND ENJOY THE QUESTIONS ABOUT > THE OVERTANNED(shade of almost black) ON MY FACE ONLY. THE BOOK WILL GIVE YOU HOPE. ALSO GLUCOSAMINE SULPHATE WITH MSN AND CHONDROITEN RESTORES LIGIMENTS AND I REPLACED THIS FOR NSAIDS WHICH DESTROY YOUR GUTS AND SKIN. also swimming and massage keeps you out of the dope syndrom