Can anyone help with questions about rheumatoid arthritis?

Hi all this may be a long one

I am 26 and have a back injury, stiffness in my neck, and other joints also. The thing that has got me really worried is that my mum has RA from a very early age and suffered really bad with it, and when she passed away they said it was one of contributing factors.

Well anyway i have been seeing a back pain specialist who took some blood to test for RA factor and she said that she didn't need to see me again and that she would call me with the results, but she didn't call and has sent for me to go see her again which i am reallyworriedd about. Also this morning i havereceivedd an appointment to go see a rheumatologist i have never been to see one before.

I do get my results off the specialists on monday but i was wondering if anyone could give me some advice before then, would you say that it is highly likely that i have RA? Also i am trying for a baby and will the outcome of this affect my chances as i have had twomiscarriagess already could this have caused this?

Sorry guys about this been so long and if its hard to follow i am just so worried

I also forgot to mention that i get pain in other joints too such as my knees, hands, hips, elbows and feet.

Thanks for the advice and i hope you right

First of all it never starts with back pain and does not affect spine except cervical (neck) spine .

Secondly RA factor is positive in only 70% of cases and might be positive in normal population especially old age.

I think you have appointment with rheumatologist is because RF is positive which does not mean that you have RA but more investigations will be needed.

Do not worry usually rheumatic diseases have other generalised symptoms that you did not mention, so my advice, be cool do not worry and i wish everything is OK.

It might have. My advice to you is just do something to relax you before you see your results. Take a hot bubble bath and just relax.

You can only do what they ask you to do and just follow what they say. They are doctors and know what they are talking about.

Wish the best for you!

rheumatoid arthritis though not impossible is unlikely at your age your symptoms could cove a whole range of problems such as fibramyalgia , neuropathy, to much hard work etc etc, and while a rheumatologist may sound scary they deal with many different types of pains my best advice is dont worry about it and to avoid any mis-diagnosis make sure you explain every pain you have and what makes it worse or better as these doctors can often only diagnose from your symptoms and maybe x rays or scans but leaving small details out can lead to a completely wrong diagnosis and therefore the wrong treatment