I can't answer your specific question, but welcome to our safe haven here. We all understand your frustration because while our individual stories may have differences, that frustration is the glue that binds us together here!

One thing I'd suggest is to prepare the rehearse what you'll say if the rheumatologist tells you, after testing, that it's not RA. Without such preparation, I'd personally just leave the office in a fog. But with a little thought ahead of time, I might be prepared to say: "Okay. So, what happens now? Who do you recommend I consult next? Can your office set up that appointment for me?" ....... or, something along those lines. Think about what you might be able to say at that point that will keep a lane open that moves forward.

Hi Katie - thank you for responding. I think you bring up some really great ideas. I will definitely keep that in mind. I've noticed after some reading, that some people who have the characteristic symptoms of RA may still test negative for the RA factor and other tests. Perhaps this happens in early onset? Can you still have RA and test negative for the RA factor?

Welcome, I am seronegetaive RA, meaning all my blood tests are negetive. I'm not saying this is what is wrong with you, however, when an auto Immune disease starts your symptoms can be very vague. Best of luck to you with Rheum. I agree with Katie go prepared with questions.

I was sero-negative for the first 5 years, and treated very badly, because of it. I had serious swollen, flares in 100 joints, but my blood work was negative, and this stupid rheumatologist told me, "It looks like RA, it's swollen and hot like RA, but - your blood tests are negative, so you are not sick. Don't bother me again."

That guy was my third rheumatologist. Fortunately a friend had PsA, and she recommended an old guy, who diagnosed by symptoms, wondering what on earth was wrong with all these young docs.

Well, rheumatology has progressed far beyond that, 20 years ago! But there still are doctors who believe it. My numbers do go high, but never corresponding to how bad I am. And the result of not being treated at all, and then untreated? I have ultra severe RA. My rheumatologist said I am the worst case he has ever seen of RA.

So, if your tests do come back negative, do not accept that as an answer. I would get another opinion or 4!

Brain fog? That was my first symptom, long before flares! I went on prednisone for an asthma attack, and after studying for weeks trying to remember words for a French vocabulary final, I was able to memorize the words in 2 days on prednisone. So, a big issue for me, if I am not properly medicated.

So your goal, for all these symptoms, is to get a diagnosis and get on good meds. And do take down what Katie said for after, and also take in a pad with your symptoms so you can refer to them. Brain fog is just terrible! Perhaps if I had been able to articulate better in those days.......?

Wow - great information! Thank you all for your encouragement and experience. I had another round of blood work today and should know more very soon.

I agree with what others have said too. I am constantly saying I'm getting early onset dementia but brain fog sounds better (maybe)! I'm also RH negative and my rheumatologist said there's no reason to re-test, your symptoms are our guide. Initially my ESR and CRP were always super elevated and kept increasing but after years of treatment they have stabilized. In fact for the first time ever, last month, my ESR and CRP were normal! I thought they must have mixed up the samples. At the lab! I had been feeling pretty good from an RA perspective but now it's grumbly again.

My rheumy has reminded me more than once though that the labs don't always follow the same trend as your symptoms, so don't depend on them too much, rather use your symptoms as a guide and the treatment plan should also be to treat your disease based on clinical exam, symptoms, plus blood work, not blood work alone. I hope you get the answers you are looking for and some relief from your symptoms! It's the hardest not knowing what you're dealing with but you'll persevere :)

ne2 - lucky to have a rheum that takes clinical signs and symptoms above (or with) lab tests. Mine is the same. I get labs every 3 months to monitor for complications of my meds, and he adds a CRP, but he really relies on my symptoms and his exam to guide treatment.

Back to your original question regarding the hsCRP vs CRP ...

The hsCRP is used in cardiovascular risk testing because it is better at measuring low levels of inflammation that may not bump up the CRP. So if your CRP is high then you will definitely have a high hsCRP. If your CRP is low you may still be able to see an elevated hsCRP to measure low grade chronic inflammation. Inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Most people going to the rheumatologist will get a CRP because the inflammation of RA, and other rheum diseases is much more aggressive and "obvious" so the CRP is often elevated.

But it's important to understand the hsCRP test should be used for people who are otherwise healthy without any inflammatory diseases. So your doctor did this test as a screen and it did not fit your "healthy heart" and good cholesterol. As is often the case in autoimmune diseases, the signs and symptoms gradually start piling up and then the pieces of the puzzle are put together to make the diagnosis. Your emerging joint issues and fatigue then helped point toward RA.