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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
July 10, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members discussed confusion around Vectra DA scores not matching CRP or sed rate results, with several sharing that these numbers often don't... Read more

Members discussed confusion around Vectra DA scores not matching CRP or sed rate results, with several sharing that these numbers often don't align because each test measures different aspects of disease activity, and some people have severe RA despite normal inflammatory markers or zero RA factor. Many community members emphasized that managing rheumatoid arthritis goes beyond medication alone, highlighting diet changes like the Mediterranean diet, regular gentle exercise such as pool therapy and chair yoga, stress reduction techniques, and identifying personal flare triggers as essential tools. A recurring theme was the importance of staying proactive with testing and monitoring while also advocating for yourself when results feel confusing or frightening.

A myRAteam Member

@Vectra DA, I shouldn't worry about number matching or going hand in hand, each person is different. I have out and out RA, yet my RA factor is zero (go figure!), my sed-rate goes up and down depending on the inflammation in my body. the labs are only to show him whats going on inside you. You may or may not feel the difference. The drug Embroil worked well on me but was pulled off it because of Pneumonia. I tool several years before finding another drug worked as well. My advise to anyone with RA is not to depend on just drugs. Your way of living your life, diet, exercise and attitude have much to do with how you feel. And cannot be discounted. Have I screamed in pain ? - you bet! but after months of therapy it was up to me to carry on what I had learned. Sorry if I am getting preachy, I only know my road with RA has not been easy. I still have it, under control right now, but added to spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, 2 fractured wrists, one hip replacement (for now). But stress that diet and exercise are so important. Not I'll shut up!!!!

July 10, 2015
A myRAteam Member

My understanding of the @Vectra DA testing is to reveal how well your current RA medication regiment is curtailing joint damage. At least that is what my Rheumy is using my results to determine. @A myRAteam Member, I agree with you totally. I use several tools, guided relaxation for pain relief, compounded pain cream instead of drugs, chair yoga on the days I am flaring and the ever present battle of food. My big battle is to find my flare triggers. They are not consistent. Well there is my two cents worth from my experience. You all have blessed days.

July 11, 2015
A myRAteam Member

I also believe in fighting with this r.a. with everything i can besides the mexotrexate i take. No stress or the least i can get and no msg. when someone tells me what worked for them, i will usually try it. i do think exercise and diet is important too

July 11, 2015
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member My RA factor is zero also. Don't shut up! I am interested in what you have to say. Tell me about your diet, exercise cuzz I like your attitude!

July 10, 2015
A myRAteam Member

I have had three Vectra test Three times in the last year and a half. My numbers keep getting higher. I take Arava, Plaquenil and Rituxian infusion. Have a high pain tolerance so don't always feel what my tests and what the doctor sees on my visits. She said to me the last time that people with higher Vectra tests that don't stay the same my have another disease like Cancer. Scared me to death. She did an ultra sound of my hand and we will see if that has gotten worse. I have been so scared and went to regular doctor. She says she sees nothing in my regular blood work that would mean I had something else wrong with me.I have had my regular mammogram and other screening this year. So I just don't know.

September 26, 2017

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