Rheumatoid Factor - what is considered high?

[RedDiamond]

I tried a few weeks ago to see if anyone could help me but got no response so apologies if maybe this is something that cannot be answered.

I was referred to a neurologist who believes, amongst other things, that I may have Fibromyalgia. The neurologist has referred me to Rheumatology because they can see, from bloods taken, that my RF is "slightly elevated" at 227.

I had an MRI last August and they said it showed cervical spine degeneration and evidence of bilateral foraminal stenosis. They wish to do another MRI of my full back to include my lower back as from the MRI they have done, they can see some degenerative condition around my lower back and want to look into that more.

I am finding my day to day living quite hard now. I get exhausted without too much effort and sometimes find the pain and aching really upsetting.

They have put me on Duloxetine (I also take Fluoxetine, blood pressure tablets, folic acid - all prescribed) and am finding I am in a really low mood.

Apparently, the Duloxetine is to help treat the Fibromyalgia and if it turns out I have RA then they will change the meds to deal with that.

Sorry it's so long winded. Basically, is a RF of 227 high? All I can find on the internet is that <14 IU/ml is okay but I have no idea if mine is meant to be measured in IU/ml or a different scale.

Yes, anything over 20 is considered high I was told, They should have also checked your CRP level which can indicate level of immflamation within the body.

I an also differentiate between my RA and fibro as fibro is muscles for me and RA is swelling, usually my knees, hands and wrists

@NelliePig Thank you for replying. I have heard today that the Rheumatologist does not have to see me to confirm I have Fibromyalgia. The other thing they said is that my RF factor does not indicate arthritis. I am a bit confused but there you go. I did ask my GP for anti inflammatories today but they said that because of the drugs I am on, they cannot give me any so I just have to put up with all the pain just as it is and that it will never get better. Bit depressing to be honest but it is what it is so I shall just have to live with it.