anti-CCP question | Arthritis Information

When my RA was diagnosed last March, my anti-ccp level was 59.3 (high positive, I was told). At the time my CRP, SED and RF were within normal limits, but had been slightly elevated in the past. (No anti-ccp was done at that time). Since then, I have been treated for RA. I presented with intense fatigue, pain and stiffness in several joints in both hands, wrists, knees, feet and occassionally hips. Although I am stiff and hurt a bit in the morning, my worst time of day has always been mid afternoon. My Rheumatologist said some RA'ers are like that. I also rarely get very swollen when I flare, just stiff and intense pain. She said that is also true for some, especially early in the disease like me. But after my last blood work, I am confused....

My question is this...Can CCP levels change? My GP office ran bloodwork on my last week, as I was feeling poorly and they were worried about an infection. She also ran a CCP and it came back NORMAL!?!? As did all my other blood work. Which is bizarre as I felt like complete he!!. I have been flaring badly. Mostly in my knees feet and hands. So I am confused by all of this. Does this mean that I don't have RA?

I'm pretty sure that anti CCP levels can change, as can the RF,Sed rate and c reactive protein.

Many of our members are "sero negative", but have very active RA. It does not mean that you suddenly do not have RA! Be sure to ask our Rheumatologist about it. But it you were diagnosed with RA, you can be pretty sure you have it.

I ask my doctor all the time if I have RA and the answer is always, "most definately". My RF has gone from 658 to 350. Still very high. And anti CCP is >250. Sed. rate and c-reactive protein are both high as well. BUT I don't have swollen joints! My bones have been severely damaged by osteoarthritis, which has caused me to be disabled, but I just do not have the outward symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor said she has only seen one other person with the numbers that are high like mine, with no obvious symptoms of RA.

I'm sure you'll hear from many of our members. Our symptoms are as diverse as are we. Write down any questions you think of and be sure to take the list with you to your next RF appt. Don't be afraid to ask questions! This disease can be terribly confusing so you need to talk to your doc. And we are always here for you, too.