Does Positive ANA IFA indicate RA?

[Billydude]

I've been diagnosed with Sjogrens for a few years now but wondered if my first postive test result of ANA IFA indicates anything else.  I have had such joint paint these days and just wondered if it was an indicator of developing RA?   My pain is in my knees hips back and neck. Its seems like its all at once.  Not so much hands or feet.   Any thoughts?

[Nancy60]

A positive ANA is a general test indicating possible autoimmune disease.  The higher the positive, the more likely you have an autoimmune disease.  the test in and of itself is not diagnostic.  Many of the autoimmune diseases will test positive for ANA including Lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, MCTD etc...

The tests that are more specific for RA include Rheumatiod Factor (an antibody found in RA) and anti CCP antibodies.

Xrays with RA will show joint distruction and can help to diagnose RA vs other autoimmune diseases.

back pain can occur with Ankylosing Spondylitis....do you know if your doctor has checked you for this?  It is found more commonly in Males. 

What other tests have you had?  Are you being followed by a Rheumatologist?

Nancy

[Billydude]

Yes,  Spondylitis is something that has been used to define my back before.      I haven't seen my rhumy for awhile now.  Nothing much was changing and she said I didn't need to come in again unless I felt I needed it.   Maybe I should now....pain in different places is out of control.
The sjogrens is already a definate with lip biopsy and all.  Its just that for quite some time I showed negitive blook work and last year was the first time anything showed positive.   I just wasn't sure if this test was specifially one that pointed to just Sjogrens or also RA.

[mshistory]

My rheumatoid factor was really high (along with ANA and SS-A) but I have not been diagnosed with RA - my rheumy said positive RF is actually more common with Sjogren's than with rheumatoid arthritis. I would think then that the best diagnostic tool for RA is evidence of joint damage...?