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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.

How actually aggressive is seropositive RA on the body even with medication ? I'm just looking for honest answers of what to expect.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
August 6
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A myRAteam Member

Are there any sign of indication of how long you have actually had RA without actually realising that you have suffered ie swelling ect I've experienced a lot of strange things and have been tested for many problems over the years bad diarrhea that's lasted months heart murmers face paralysis on 9 occasions. Could these all be linked to RA as all results have come back with negative results the doctor told me the face paralysis was just unfortunate luck the diarrhoea could be IBS but answered with uncertainty ie they couldn't find anything in my blood results I suffered wobbly sensation in my heart murmers I got an ECG but also was a negative out come . I was really athletic with a resting heart rate if 51 BPM but all the soreness I have experienced over years I automatically put down to training and my physical job .

August 6
myRAteam

That's a really fair question, and it deserves a straight answer. Seropositive RA can be more aggressive than seronegative RA, even with treatment. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies is linked to a more active disease course and a higher risk of complications beyond just the joints.

Here's what seropositive RA can Show Full Answer

That's a really fair question, and it deserves a straight answer. Seropositive RA can be more aggressive than seronegative RA, even with treatment. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies is linked to a more active disease course and a higher risk of complications beyond just the joints.

Here's what seropositive RA can involve, even when being managed with medication:

- Joint damage – Inflammation can still cause progressive joint damage over time, which is why staying on top of treatment adjustments with your rheumatologist matters
- Rheumatoid nodules – Firm lumps under the skin near joints, occurring in 20–30% of RA cases, nearly all of which are seropositive
- Rheumatoid vasculitis – Inflamed blood vessels that can develop after having RA for 10+ years, causing skin sores and pain in fingers and toes
- Cardiovascular complications – A higher risk of plaque buildup in arteries, which can affect blood flow
- Lung complications – Seropositive RA is associated with a greater likelihood of lung-related issues The honest truth is that medication helps significantly — it can slow damage and reduce flares — but it doesn't always stop everything. The goal of treatment is to reach low disease activity or remission, and many people do achieve that.

Regular monitoring with your rheumatologist is key to catching any complications early and adjusting treatment before things progress.

August 6

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