Hi, I'm new to this board.
My RD thinks I probably have RA. I had a high positive Anti-CCP (370) and RF (330). Before I started on Plaquenil, I also had elevated ESR and CRP. Since I've been on Plaquenil, my ESR and CRP have returned to normal values. I have migratory joint pain without swelling.
Since I started the Plaqenil, I've only had a few "flares" of excrutiating joint pain and feeling like I have the flu. I do have a constant dull ache in my wrists, knuckles, and shoulders on a daily basis. My RD said that I don't have to worry about erosions since my inflammatory markers are normal.
Has anyone developed erosions with normal ESR and CRP? This really scares me, especially since my RD hasn't taken any x-rays of my shoulders or hands. My initial visit to the RD was August 2004.
Sorry...I have no answers for you. Just wanted to say hi...and welcomeHi there, I hardly ever post here but I just had to. Anti ccp with positive RF is near on 100% for RA. The migratory joint pains are common but the underlying continuing inflammation is what can cause the problems at the moment. All I know is that I have never, even before any meds, had an elevated CRP or ESR and I have erosions in my foot already, anti ccp can indicate a stronger tendency to more persistant or aggressive/erosive disease. Now this is not to frighten you, I have been so frightened at times that I have actually threw up but once you feel you start to get to know as much as you can, you feel more in control and can make more informed choices about RD's and meds etc. I would definately be getting xray's. It's possible to induce remission with drugs, all be it you need to usually stay on the meds to maintain the remission but there is a window of oppertunity in early RA where this can be more easily achieved - it seems like your RA is using the step up approach where milder drugs are used and then if or when they don't work or stop working then more potent drugs are used. Most RD's now use stronger drugs early on to try and control the joint damage - personally I am about to start Antibiotic protocol - I tried a new biologic a while ago on a trial but it didn't really work for me and I don't want to down the MTX path yet. It would be great if a normal esr and CRP meant that, maybe it does but I have never heard that and I sadly have erosions to prove it. Maybe get some tests done or get a second opinion just to put your mind at rest because if it was me, I would only worry until I knew for sure and worrying is just the last thing you need. Best of luck, take care,I've never been one to keep up with all the test because early on my doctor taught me they don't mean too much. I'm what everyone here refers to as "Sero-Negative" the only increase in any of the test my doctor has ever even mentioned to me has been an elevated SEDs Rate. I don't mean that the blood test don't matter....just that there's far more to RA than just blood test. Luckliy for me my doctor feels this way and started treating me early despite the negative blood test.
My xrays and MRIs do show erosions in my hands and in my back as well. Changes in my knees have also been noted. My doctor feels like early DMARD treatment has "Slowed" the progression a great deal; although not stopped it.
Lots of doctors would like to think that blood work is a good indicator as to your future....but it's just not true.
I'm not sure if we're talking about the same thing or not; but id be a little worried if my doctor just blew things off like that. X-rays are usually part of the early process from all I've heard. My doctor took a lot the very first day and I've had several for different reasons over the years. I wouldn't be overly concerned if you haven't had them....but for your doctor to say you don't have to worry about erosions just isn't correct. It might take years; but it can and does happen. Even to those with negative blood work.
Have they checked for Lupus as well...it is another Auto-immune disease that will do very well on plaquenil?
I don't swell much either...barely at all...I am Sero-Negative RA. Yet...I have joint damage. In my hands, knees, feet, hips and shoulders...but I am also borderline for LUPUS.
But everyone is different...Roblyn
Lovie and flint,
Thank you so very much for your replies. I have an appointment with my NP next month. She is really easy to talk with and was the one who originally tested me for RA. I think I'll ask her to run the x-rays for "peace of mind".
willwin2,
My NP originally thought I might have Lupus. My ANA came back positive but I later tested negative for another Lupus test.
I missed this post the first time around but I think it has some good info. sooooo...BUMP!I think xrays and mris are imperative. This way the progression of your ra can be tracked and better treatment decisions can be made. I am so grateful that I got xrays and mris early on. Now I will know what damage has been done over the year. Usually this is an insurance issue. I get so angry at our medical system