Anyone else have joint pain but normal CRP and ESR?

[Basilly]

I have RA and since my last flare up a month ago, my blood tests are now showing as normal, but the pain in many of my joints does not reflect this. I also have joint swelling. I’m being sent for a bone scan, but just wondering if anyone gets this?

[Simba1992]

Seemes to be relatively common

[Basilly]

Ok thank you for your reply. Good to know.

[Deniseelk]

My bloods have never been out of range but clearly with joint swelling, heat and destruction of wrist joint including fatigue and pain the signs are there. Interestingly, it has only been my anti-ccp that was well over range ( 196)! Hoping your Rheumatologist is like mine and looks at the symptoms not just the readings!

[cpetry in reply to Deniseelk]

Same here! I've been diagnosed almost two years ago and my CRP and RF are always within range. The only sign on my blood test is the anti-ccp (539).

But the rheumy always makes me a joint by joint control and adjust treatment if necessary.

I'm sure yours will assess the whole picture!

Cheers

[RxMe in reply to Deniseelk]

My last anti-CCP was also 196, a "high positive", but negative on all the other bloods. But no joint swelling. Just insomnia, aches, periodic finger pain and now mostly symmetrical wrist, ankle, shoulder & knee pain. My rheumy is leaning towards an RA diagnosis (still), although lupus is a possibility.

[Deniseelk in reply to RxMe]

Interesting! Maybe as there has not been any erosion? I think there is a blood test ( ANA?) that is used to detect Lupus... mine was fine. Hope you get something conclusive soon but I guess medication regime would be the same.

[RxMe in reply to Deniseelk]

Well...there was no sign of erosion on X-ray over a year ago, but what would an MRI, a more sensitive test, show right now? I had had a positive ANA (1:320) and anti-Smith & RNP antibodies, but they failed to come up positive in subsequent blood work. Pretty sure that the hydroxychloroquine is helping tamp down the overall symptoms for now.

It does worry me that with that strongly positive anti-CCP, joint damage can continue being done while we may go on blissfully unaware of its severity!

[Dragonflylover in reply to RxMe]

OMG this is exactly like me. My whole right side is in pain and feels inflamed. Finger, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and especially ankle. I gained some weight in past 3 years and my dr seriously told be I was just over weight. Bloods showed ESR elevated but CRP only a little high. He said it is just because of the Crohns but I take Cimzia for that. Feel very frustrated that he just gave me steroids and sent me on my way. I am super awake, have been since pain, especially at night in cold weather started.

[krillemy in reply to RxMe]

long time now How did it turn out for you diagnose wise?

'

[net2012]

Yes mine have been normal during flares,inflammation,swelling. Make sure it is noted on your records that they have been normal during inflammation.

[Mmrr]

I've always had normal bloods, but have stiffness, aches and the occasional swelling.

[Lizzy-m]

Yes, me too, bloods normal despite being in pain, swelling, and stiffness. It showed up on a scan, makes you feel like you are going mad !

[Caza]

My bloods have always been borderline ‘normal’ My consultant said he would treat my symptoms plus scans rather than the blood results.

[roseyx]

Hi Basilly, Yes I find blood tests for inflammation rarely go over the normal range but when things are good they go right down to the bottom of that range and when the inflammation is bad they are near the top. So the figure does move around within that range with me. Maybe look at the actual figures and any fluctuation there, rather than the range that is considered normal.

[Pawz4me]

I was diagnosed with RA this past August and started on medication in September (methotrexate and then added leflunomide in December) and my ESR and CRP have always been normal. My RF is positive and I have swelling in several finger joints and pain/stiffness in wrists, feet, elbows. The normal inflammation markers don't seem to mean anything to my rheumy, thank goodness. He says I have a "classic presentation" of RA despite the normal inflammation markers.

[BonnieT]

I went undiagnosed for way too many years because markers showed negative. I don’t think bloodwork is always conclusive. Trust and talk to your doctor who will help you figure it out.

[texaslady]

I've always had normal levels. I have problems with every joint in my body during a flare - pain & inflammation. I'm now taking Humira & Hydroxychloroquine.

[Troygirl]

I thought my shoulders were going to be really bad on the xrays because they hurt so bad! (need to take 17.5 prednisone to make the pain stop). In a 10 week flare. Humira did not work, now waiting to get my script of XelZanz monday!

The doctor said my bones were beautiful, not damaged in any way and all the joint spaces were normal.

All the pain is coming from inflammation! Inflammation, inflammation! So sick of the inflammation!

Oh well at least I know my bones & joint areas are with no damage so far.

[Matilda_1922]

I do

I have been told my consultant go by the blood results. Haven’t seen them for a year. Although I have a lot of pain and swelling in my right elbow. They just hovered over my joints last year, so not holding out for any different this year. Been told similar as a friend who had the same consultant, she maintains this consultant stopped her biological once she turned 60.