Dear doctor I had a lab test for anti ccp and rheumatoid factor and the result of anti ccp is 33.58 u/ml and the rheumatoid factor is just 10 iu/ml. I consulted an internal medicine specialist in abu dhabi and he referred me to a rheumatologist. The only symptom is I have infection on my right thumb toe and forth toe. I also had a sugar test which resulted as 6 upon fasting, considered to border line. The whole episode was due to eye burning and dryness and I would like to get your advise further on how to handle the situation. Age: 40 sex: female weight: 64 height: 169 exercise: 4 days/week mother of two girls, house maker.

Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidPhysiotherapist23yrs exp

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The "normal" range (or negative test result) for rheumatoid factor is less than 14 iu/ml. Any result with values 14 iu/ml or above is considered abnormally high, elevated, or positive. Treatmentthere is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But clinical studies indicate that remission of symptoms is more likely when treatment begins early with medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (dmards). Medicationsthe types of medications recommended by your doctor will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've had rheumatoid arthritis. ?nsaids. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter nsaids include ibuprofen (advil, motrin ib) and naproxen sodium (aleve). Stronger nsaids are available by prescription. Side effects may include stomach irritation, heart problems and kidney damage. ?steroids. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. Side effects may include thinning of bones, weight gain and diabetes. Doctors often prescribe a corticosteroid to relieve acute symptoms, with the goal of gradually tapering off the medication. ?disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (dmards). These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Common dmards include methotrexate (trexall, otrexup, others), leflunomide (arava), hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (azulfidine). Side effects vary but may include liver damage, bone marrow suppression and severe lung infections. ?biologic agents. Also known as biologic response modifiers, this newer class of dmards includes abatacept (orencia), adalimumab (humira), anakinra (kineret), baricitinib (olumiant), certolizumab (cimzia), etanercept (enbrel), golimumab (simponi), infliximab (remicade), rituximab (rituxan), sarilumab (kevzara), tocilizumab (actemra) and tofacitinib (xeljanz). These drugs can target parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation that causes joint and tissue damage. These types of drugs also increase the risk of infections. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, higher doses of tofacitinib can increase the risk of blood clots in the lungs. Biologic dmards are usually most effective when paired with a nonbiologic dmard, such as methotrexate. Therapyyour doctor may send you to a physical or occupational therapist who can teach you exercises to help keep your joints flexible. The therapist may also suggest new ways to do daily tasks, which will be easier on your joints. For example, you may want to pick up an object using your forearms. Assistive devices can make it easier to avoid stressing your painful joints. For instance, a kitchen knife equipped with a hand grip helps protect your finger and wrist joints. Certain tools, such as buttonhooks, can make it easier to get dressed. Catalogs and medical supply stores are good places to look for ideas. Surgeryif medications fail to prevent or slow joint damage, you and your doctor may consider surgery to repair damaged joints. Surgery may help restore your ability to use your joint. It can also reduce pain and improve function. Rheumatoid arthritis surgery may involve one or more of the following procedures: ?synovectomy. Surgery to remove the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium) can be performed on knees, elbows, wrists, fingers and hips. ?tendon repair. Inflammation and joint damage may cause tendons around your joint to loosen or rupture. Your surgeon may be able to repair the tendons around your joint. ?joint fusion. Surgically fusing a joint may be recommended to stabilize or realign a joint and for pain relief when a joint replacement isn't an option. ?total joint replacement. During joint replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged parts of your joint and inserts a prosthesis made of metal and plastic. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection and pain. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. 

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