Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis
I've recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and at first I thought I was misdiagnosed I finally got to speak to a rheumatology nurse but afterwards I still feel alittle confused I know people on here can not give out medical advice but I would just like to ask people who have been living with ra and understand it alittle more what these numbers mean she said my rheumatoid factor is 2242 and my anti cpp is 44 is this good or really bad thanks in advance x
Hi there thanks for reaching out. You're right about the medical advice, but I want to share an article that really breaks down the rheumatoid factor that I think may be helpful! (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-ra-factor-diagnosis-mean) The RF is one part of different metrics in diagnosing RA. It doesn't necessarily match with symptoms you have currently which can be confusing. Please let me know if that article helps at all or if you have additional questions. - Reggie (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) 
Thanks for reaching out. I hope that our community can be a source of helpful info and support as you navigate this new diagnosis. In addition to feedback you receive here and in addition to speaking with your doctor, these article may be helpful: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-ra-factor-diagnosis-mean and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/what-is-ra/ra-and-the-autoimmune-response. Please reach out with your questions, we're here to help. Best, Kelly, rheumatoidarthritis.net Team Member 
Hi
. Understanding the various tests used in the RA diagnostic process can certainly be confusing. It is good that you are seeking out information and have come to a place you can get some, as well as support. As others have mentioned, the tests should only be part of receiving an RA diagnosis. A rheumatologist should be looking at the entire person and their symptoms. This article from our editorial team gives an overview of the wider diagnostic process: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis. In addition, I want to not the rheumatoid factor test and the anti-CCP (anticyclic citrullinated peptide) test are not indicative of disease activity. If they are positive for potential RA they remain so even if a patient enters remission. This article goes into further detail on a group of RA lab tests: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_understanding-rheumatoid-arthritis-lab-tests-results.asp. Wishing you the best and please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
