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197575 tn?1215532624

Positive ANA and RAF 6.6

I went to my primary doctor due to swelling in my finger joints and pain.  He had me do labs and my ANA was positive (no range was given) and my RAF was 6.6  He referred me to a rheumatologist.  I go next week.  I had thyroid cancer 2 years ago and had my thyroid removed.  I also had RAI treatment. One side effect I experienced from the treatment was  a salivary gland infection alomost a year later.  It seems like all of this has happened after my thyroid cancer.  I just turned 40 and the comments I get are "you are getting older".  I was perfectly healthy before my thyroid cancer diagnosis.I think all of this is related.  Anyone else experience this?  
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483733 tn?1326798446
Can I assume you mean RF (rheumatoid factor)?  Many times auto-immune diseases are triggered (not caused) by a stressor - either physical or emotional.  Your thyroid cancer would definitely qualify.  So sorry you are going through this.  Good luck at the rheumy and let us know what they say.
Helpful - 0
434278 tn?1324706225
I probably should know this, but is RAF and RA the same thing?  Is the 6.6 high or low?
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