Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis? How to tell what your positive Rheumatoid Factor is telling you

Is your Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test result a cause for concern? Getting a positive result can send us all on a tailspin! Get clarity on what it means for a possible Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) diagnosis in our latest episode.

🔗 Links:
👍🏼The guide you need to tell your doc your story -and get answers once and for all!
Your Appointment Home Run Handbook - https://connectedrheumatology.com/app...

🤔Interested in a 2nd opinion from Dr. Ortiz? Learn more here: https://connectedrheumatology.com/con...

🎥 watch more:
5 things you need to know about your positive Rheumatoid Factor:    • 5 Things you need to know about your ...  
A Rheumatologist explains: What to do with a +RF and a neg CCP:    • A Rheumatologist Explains: What to do...  
What does your CCP Test mean?:    • How to tell if your pain is from Fibr...  

💡Video Key Takeaways
✔️ The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) blood test is one of many signs considered when diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but it's not definitive on its own.
✔️ RF is an auto-antibody that can indicate autoimmune activity against the body's own tissues, but its presence doesn't always mean RA. It can also occur in other conditions such as infections, other autoimmune diseases, or even without any disease at all.
✔️ Signs suggesting RA include persistent hand and wrist pain and swelling for at least three months, multiple swollen joints beyond the hands, and positive results on other blood tests like CCP antibody and inflammation markers.
✔️ Being prepared for a rheumatology consultation is crucial. The Appointment Home Run Handbook is offered as a tool to help patients organize their symptoms and experiences to facilitate effective communication with their doctors.

⏱️Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
00:57 What is Rheumatoid Factor?
2:38 Signs it could mean Rheumatoid Arthritis
4:46 Signs the RF may mean something else
6:41 Your Appointment Home Run Handbook
7:41 Signs it means nothing

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👩🏻‍⚕️ About me:
Hello! I am Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz and I’m so happy you are here. I am a double board certified Rheumatologist with over 15 years experience practicing Rheumatology and am passionate about teaching & empowering patients to partner with their doctor.

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* The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. Any comments and/or recommendations made in the comment section by anyone other than Connected Rheumatology does not reflect the opinion or recommendation of Connected Rheumatology.*