Well, could it be that you are Seronegative RA? I was for years. My doctor treated it, even though the numbers didn't indicate RA. I had all the symptoms and became RA positive last year. My doctors go back and forth as to whether or not I have Lupus because i have all the classic Lupus symptoms, too.
Where's 51 percent? She knows all about these numbers and diseases. Well, actually, a lot of people on here do.
I hope you get some answers.

so you aren't rf positive or anti-ccp positive? How is your crp or sed rate?

It is possible to have both RA and lupus. They are find it is a lot more common than previously thought. Do your research but look into the medical research as well.
There are a lot of 'cross over' autoimmune diseases that make it difficult to diagnose one over the other. I have RA with lupus, fibromyalga (my spelling is atrocious after my shots) and symptoms of Sjgren syndrome. I am beginning to think they run in clusters.

There are times that Lupus and RA are very similar in symptoms. The main difference is that Lupus doesn't cause the damage to the joints that RA does. Watch for sensitivity to sunlight, rashes, mouth sores, etc.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get answers right away. Sometimes we have the symptoms way before the blood tests show anything. I hope your Rhuemy is starting you on treatment.
There are a lot of meds that will treat both so they are a good starting point.

If you have to, find another Dr.
RA had a category called "seronegitive" nothing shows up on bloodwork. But you have all the signs. You respond well to the meds, and usaly, hands are less effective for joint damage.
Hope this helps

Thanks everyone! I just this minute got my ANA - Positive, Anti-Native DNA Antibody - Positive. Smith & RNP Antibodies - Standard Range and Sjorgren's AB SSA SSB - Standard. So now off I go to look up what all this means! Any advice? Thoughts. Thank you so much! Bella aka still a newbie!

My ANA is 1:1280 and it just means I definitely have an autoimmune disease. I am not sure of the other test results. Did you have a ccp test?
Keep us updated on your results please.

Hello - hope you are on your way to getting things figured out. Just wanted to share with you what I've been taught about RA and other joint/autoimmune disorders.

To be diagnosed with:

1) RA - requires a positive RF (rheumatoid factor) and/or a positive anti-CCP antibodies

2) SERONEGATIVE RA - which is a misnomer, is more accurately called Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies and requires the presence of HLA-B27 and the absence of RF. There are several disorders in this category and include:
a) ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
b) IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE ASSOCIATED ARTHRITIS -
which is arthritis with concurrent Chron's or Ulcerative Colitis
c) PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS - (doesn't require concurrent psoriasis!)
d) REACTIVE ARTHRITIS - associated with several specific
bacterial infections

And . . . you can definitely have more than one autoimmune condition. Having one autoimmune condition makes you much more likely to have another. It is pounded into our heads that if one autoimmune condition is present, you should be looking for another.

Hope this helps!

Thank you all again so much! I didn't realize I could have both.
Can't wait to see my doctor on Thursday. I just feel so crappy. I had a two day business trip this weekend managed to fake my way through it. Carrying my very small suitcase up and down plane stairs and dragging through the airport really took it's toll on my arms. Is this what it's like to be really old? I have a whole new appreciation for old people. I think I always did but even more so now because I feel like I'm 100. Feeling the need for a good cry but I just got dressed and put make up on and I'm going to help my mom clean out closets. thanks for listening. xo Bella