My blood tests are fairly normal and I am on the same regimen as you. Once in a while, something will flare up like my sed rate. For the most part I usually have a positive ANA and low platelet count. Everything else looks good. I have had positive RF's in the past, so I know for sure that I have it. From what you have written it really sounds a lot like what I have. I intially had a diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis with lupus. Now I think they are calling it mixed connective tissue disease (because of the positive ANA). It's still the same thing. I don't even think I have joint damage, that I am aware of. I just have pain. My father also had the same lab tests that I have and he was diagnosed with scleroderma later in life. So I have that to worry about. Right now, though, I seem to be doing well on the Remicade/ methotrexate/plaquenil. It works wonders. I wish they had this treatment for my dad when he was alive. Instead, he ended up in a wheelchair, someplace I refuse to go. It is easy to think that you don't have the disease when you start to feel better. Trust your doctors, though. It sounds like they are doing the right thing.

I haven't started the meds that you're using yet, but may have to soon. My blood work comes back with an RA Factor that's sometimes positive, and sometimes negative. So we don't know if I have it or not. I do have the flares, and certainly do have OA.

My daughter did not have the positive RF but does have positive ANA. She was told she has connective tissue disease.She also has inflammation. I have positive RF and sed rate. I don't have positive ANA. I was told I have RA with my OA.

My test results come out that way. I take relefen,for RA and osteo arthritis. I have had 4 joint replacements. My hands are a swollen mess, and I have Fred Flintstone type feet. I was Dx. with RA when I was 17 yrs. old. I had my second bout with rhumatic fever and was hospitalized . I recovered about 70%. Then I contracted Lymes Disease when I was 29 yrs old. Sleeping with pressure gloves helps with the stiffness. Bonnie

All of my labs for RA have come back negative. I was diagnosed in 2001 by my PCP purely on symptoms that I had at the time. It was confirmed several years later by a Dr who specializes in RA. I have suffered bone loss on my right hand and left foot. I have swollen painful joints that feel like there are little balls in them, and morning stiffness all over my body, especially in the winter months. I was taking 400mg of Celebrex, and Naproxen Sodium for my symptoms. I am now taking Aleve, but only when I cannot stand the pain any longer.

A more specific and sensitive diagnostic test for Rheumatoid Arthritis is the Anti-CCP which will probably replace RF in people where we suspect RA.

Anti-CCP, which stands for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, is a new blood test to help doctors confirm a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Hope this helps
Dr O.