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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an Autoimmune disease. It is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but mainly affects the joints.
697 Questions
Chondrodynia and stemotomy a degenerative illnesses?
No neither of the are Chondrodynia is simply the noun fro the pain you get from worn cartilage. Stemotomy is the pain you suffer after operations that can be chronic if you are unlucky.
Is a Rheumatoid Factor of 14 high enough to indicate RA?
It is possible to have RA without any Rheumatoid factor. This is known as seronegative RA. However if you are suspected of having RA then any RF (rheumatoid factor) helps complete the diagnosis towards the possibility of RA.
Your sed rate is 1 is that good?
A low ESR is generally not of any particular concern. However it can occur with polycythaemia. this is a condition where too many red blood cells are produced, and with extreme leucocytosis, which is a condition where too many white blood cells are produced, as well as with some protein abnormalities.
Can subject with rheumatoid arthritis have a low westergren sed rate?
Yes, but not while the disease is active.
Elevated results can indicate anemia, kidney disease, osteomyelitis, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, systemic lupus, thyroid disease or other inflammatory disorders.
A person who has RA does not necessarily have inflammation at all times. This can mean that while there is no inflammation, the sedimentation rate could be low.
What are results of rheumatoid titer?
The titer does not correlate with the activity of RA, but patients with high titer rheumatoid factor are more likely to have erosive joint disease, extra articular manifestations,as well as greater functional disability.Patients that have RA are checked for this as it gives more of an indication of the posiblefuture severity of the disease.
he erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), also called a sedimentation rate or Biernacki Reaction, is the rate at which red blood cells precipitate over a period of anhour. It is a test which is a measurement of inflammation. To perform the test, anti coagulated blood is placed in an upright tube, known as a Westergren tube, and the rate at which the red blood cells fall is measured and reported in mm/h. If you have a low rate in indicates that you have little or no inflammation in your body. A sed rate is non specific therefore it will not point to any particular condition.
What does a rheumatoid factor of 10.4 mean?
Results are usually reported in one of two ways:
- Less than 40-60 u/mL
- Less than 1:80 (1 to 80) titer
A low number (normal result) usually means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What does high sedimentation rate mean?
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. The more red cells that settle to the bottom of the test tube within the hour, the higher the sed rate. The sedimentation rate indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the system.
What are the side effects associated with using chlorella?
Appears to be safe, although not enough research has been done. Mild side effects include bloating and nausea. Allergic reaction: chest pain, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and itchy skin. And more . . .
What is ESR and how can you control it?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures the body's degree of inflammation and high ESR level in blood can be controlled using ayurvedic treatment.
erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR) Westergren method
A sedimentation rate is blood test that can detect and monitor inflammation in the body. It is a measurement of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) sedimenting in a tube over a given period of time. this test is referred to as an ESR.
Red blood cells settle in the bottom of the test tube given time leaving leaving the blood serum visible above. The sedimentation rate is simply how far the top of the RBC layer has fallen (in millimeters) in one hour. The sedimentation rate increases with more inflammation.
The normal sedimentation rate (Westergren method) for males is 0-15 millimeters per hour, and for females is 0-20 millimeters per hour. The sedimentation rate can be slightly more elevated in the elderly and is much lower for children.
Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of a special test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate. When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood cells to stick together and fall more quickly than normal to the bottom of the tube. These proteins are produced by the liver and the immune system under many abnormal conditions, such as an infection, an autoimmune disease, and cancer. There are many possible causes of an elevated sedimentation rate. For this reason, a sed rate blood test is done with other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Once a sed rate blood test is conducted, the course of the disease or the effectiveness of treatment can be monitored.
Will you have to have surgery if you have a bulging disc on c4 c5 c6 c7 with c7 being the worst?
Not if it can be treated with non-surgical means, which is always the first option you should take. In any situation involving herniated disks, the only reason you should even consider a surgical option is if there's loss of mobility or permanent paralysis at stake. I've had 3 fusions - C5/6/7 was my first in 1996 (L4/5/S1 in '99, L3/4 in '06).
In my case, I had no other option - both disks were completely and severely herniated, and I faced the loss of full use of my left arm (even today, I still have nerve damage issues as a result). The affected nerve path radiates down the neck, across the shoulder, down the left arm, and into the left fingers. At the time, all the fingers in my left hand were numb up to the first knuckle. For both of my other operations, I was looking at a wheelchair had I not opted for surgery. Since I have a progressively deteriorating problem, I'm sure I'll need another one in the future.
It's important to understand that once a disk is weakened by herniation (at least to the point where it's not fully collapsed), it will eventually heal, but there will always be a weak spot in the disk membrane at the point of herniation. This means for the future you need to be aware of, and avoid, situations that could lead to another problem. Of course there are situations you can't always totally avoid, but the obvious ones you can.
Any spinal operation isn't without risks - if you have a doctor tell you a disk operation is "minimally invasive", or "low risk", or they've got the "latest surgical treatment", head for the door. There's no such thing when it comes to spinal surgery. You would not believe the numbers of failed spinal operations and screwups (myself included) that have hurt patients more than helped them. For new treatments, unless you want to be a guinea pig and statistic, avoid it like the plague.
We all look for a quick fix, but there is none when it comes to disk problems. Those that think there are either don't have a real problem, or are totally clueless.
If you ever get to the point where you do need a surgical option, they'll likely give you a choice of bone harvest from your own body (pelvic area) or cadaver bone. I opted and have always recommended harvest from your own body for a couple of reasons:
1. The whole "dead guy body parts inside me" thing creeped me out
2. Possibility of disease transfer from cadaver bone
At the time of my surgery in '96, they said there wasn't any risk of disease transfer from cadaver bone - they now know that's not the case. It takes longer to recover using your own bone (and it hurts a lot more than the the cervical operation itself) but long-term you're better off.
You should also only deal with a Neurosurgeon, and not an Orthopedic Surgeon if it comes to surgery. You want a Nerve specialist working on your spine, not a Bone specialist.
I started this category almost 5 years ago in order to help others just like you who are facing now what I've already been through, so that you can avoid the problems I've experienced. I'll reiterate my original statement - unless you're facing mobility loss or paralysis, don't even think about spinal surgery of any type as an option. It should only be considered when quality of life is at stake.
What could cause High Eosinophils rate with high Erythrocyte sedimentation rate?
Eosinophilia is a higher than normal level of eosinophils, Eosophinils are one of the five main types of disease fighting white blood cells.
High eosinophil concentrations may also occur at the site of an infection or inflammation. This is known as tissue eosinophilia. The Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ts a non specific test that indicates inflammation somewhere in the system. So these results can be caused by an infection. or some type of inflammation, A high ESR often accompanies a Rheumatoid arthritis flare.
Your esr rate is 36 what does this mean?
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. this is a test that indirectly measures the level of inflammation that is in the body. It does not tell what the cause of the inflammation is however.
normal readings areAdults, Westergren method Men under 50 years old-------less than 15 mm/hr
Men over 50 years old-------- less than 20 mm/hr
Women under 50 years old-- less than 20 mm/hr
Women over 50 years old---- less than 30 mm/hr
Children Westergren method,
Newborn--------------------------0 to 2 mm/hr
Neonatal to puberty------------3 to 13 mm/hr
mm/hr. = millimeters per hour.
What causes blood within a joint?
It can happen as the result of an injury . but is more likely to hap-en to people with a predisposition to hemorrhage such as those taking anticoagulants drugs like warfarin.
Rheumatoid factor (RF or RhF) antibody directed against an organism's own tissues) most relevant in rheumatoid-arthritis. It is an antibody against the Fc portion of immunoglobulin-g-1, which is itself an antibody. RF and IgG join to form immune-complex-1 which contribute to the disease process. About 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have detectable rheumatoid factor. Those who do not are said to be "seronegative".
Rheumatoid factor can also be a cryoglobulinemia-1 (antibody that precipitates on cooling of a blood sample); it can be either type 2 (monoclonal IgM to polyclonal IgG) or 3 (polyclonal IgM to polyclonal IgG)
RF is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis even though positive results can be due to other causes, and negative results do not rule out disease. But, in combination with signs and symptom, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis.
The presence of rheumatoid factor in serum can also indicate the occurrence of suspected autoimmune activity unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis, such as that associated with tissue or organ rejection. In such instances, RF may serve as one of serology markers for autoimmunity. (source wikipedia)
What is a form of rheumatism but does not affect the joints?
All cases of rheumatism can affect joints HYowever there are many forms of arthritis such as RA lupus that can effect other parts of the body.
What happens when you stop taking arava?
Arava is a DMARD (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) class of drugs a type of medicine normally used to treat rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
It helps to slow down joint damage and also to reduce the symptoms of the disease,
such as pain and morning stiffness joint tenderness and swelling.
Arava works by reducing the ability the ability of white blood cells called lymphocytes to
cause the disease response that leads ultimately brings about the symptoms of RA and similar diseases.
It would be wise to discus the discontinuation of this medication with your doctor, before doing anything as it may have prescribed for another purpose.
Obviously if Arava is helping keep the symptoms of your problem under control then you are taking the risk of the symptoms being able to develop once again leading to more damage to joints and pain. If you have an averse reaction to this medication then perhaps you should discus the possibility of alternative medication with your physician.
What happens when you stop taking the drug leflunomide cold turkey?
Leflunomide, a DMARD, (disease modifying anti rheumatoid drug), will take about 3 to 6 weeks to lose its efficiency, that is decrease below its active blood level. You will continue to have it in your system for several more months the blood level will decrease slowly. If you need to get rid of the drug immediately, so you can start another drug that may affect your liver, your dr can give you activated charcoal or cholesteramine orally to absorb the drug. Contact the manufacturer for the details.
Here are the Ranges for the ESR in Healthy Adults
Adults Aged up to 50 mm/hr.
Men---------0 to 15 mm/hr
Women-----0 to 20 mm/hr
Adults Aged over 50 mm/hr.
Men---------0 to 20 mm/hr
Women-----0 to 30 mm/hr
ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Information from Bottiger LE, Svedberg CA. Normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and age. Br Med J 1967;2:85-7.
Raised ESR indicates inflammation, infection, and Malignancy. It is a very popular test when carried out in relation to rheumatic diseases. ESR will not tel you where the problem is just hat there is a problem.
What does sedimentation rate 64.9 mean?
Erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR) Westergren method. An ESR of 64.9 indicatesthat you have an elevated sedimentation rate and that you have a problem with inflammation. it does not however indicate what the cause of the inflammation is.
The normal sedimentation rate (Westergren method) for males is 0-15 millimeters per hour, and for females is 0-20 millimeters per hour. The sedimentation rate can be slightly more elevated in the elderly and is much lower for children.
A sedimentation rate is blood test that can detect and monitors inflammation in the body.
It is a measurement of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) settling in a tube over a given period of time. this test is referred to as an ESR.
Red blood cells settle in the bottom of the test tube given time leaving leaving the blood serum visible above. The sedimentation rate is simply how far the top of the RBC (Red Blood Cell) layer has fallen (in millimeters) in one hour. The sedimentation rate increases with more inflammation.
What is the effect of Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 120?
erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR) Westergren method
An ESR of 120 indicates that you have a problem with inflammation it does not however indicate what the cause of the inflammation is.
A sedimentation rate is blood test that can detect and monitors inflammation in the body.
It is a measurement of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) sedimenting in a tube over a given period of time. this test is referred to as an ESR.
Red blood cells settle in the bottom of the test tube given time leaving leaving the blood serum visible above. The sedimentation rate is simply how far the top of the RBC layer has fallen (in millimeters) in one hour. The sedimentation rate increases with more inflammation.
The normal sedimentation rate (Westergren method) for males is 0-15 millimeters per hour, and for females is 0-20 millimeters per hour. The sedimentation rate can be slightly more elevated in the elderly and is much lower for children.
