I think these levels can vary. Also, it would depend on what normal is for your lab. For example, my lab uses "below 5.0" as the measure for normal. My levels over the past 5 blood tests have ranged between 16.7 and 33.96 (and believe me, I feel it). I've been taking prednisone and methotrexate for 18 weeks now. Since my CRP levels are not even close to normal we can yptell that these drugs are not working. Now, a good rheumatologist would say it's time to move to the next level if treatment, most probably one of the biologics. Hence, I am starting on Remicaid in a couple of weeks.

My labs have all been within normal limits and I have several joints that hurt. Ankles, hands, shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows, but I have only one joint that swells badly and that is my right elbow. My dr drew blood in his office for a Vectra DA test. My blood was sent to a lab in California and 12 proteins were tested and the results came back indicating I had moderate RA. Maybe you can request this test. Check online their site is very informative.

My understanding is your CRP reflects the amount or level of inflammation in your body. If your CRP is normal, that's a good thing, meaning little if any inflammation. It does NOT mean your RA is gone or you don't need meds. Normal CRP indicates your body is reacting positively to treatment at this time and inflammation is controlled.

If i understand this right, CRP levels go up with inflammation. They come back down if treament is working.so the inflammation is decreasing . I think in the early stages of RA the levels of inflammation are not as high so your CRP wouldn't be as high. Thats one reason RA is hard to diagnose. I was diagnosed in 2005 but my labwork didn't support it until 2009. It"s hard to understand. My rheumy started me on meds in 2005 anyway. She said my symptoms supported it.

I think it may just take time for your labs to stablize. You're not having huge changes. If you were jumping up 30 point that would indicate it's not working. Then you might need to incresae the dose. It could still be working just not at peak preformace. It also depends on your symptoms if you have seen some improvement give it more time. If not then ask your doc about it. I feel like this, if you are taking an anti inflammatory your RA is at least slower acting. Which is good. RA doesn't start causing major damage to internal organs until later stages of the disease. Which by the way , the meds postpone. Remember to talk to your doc about this because he can be more specific. It is difficult to deal with all this. Another option is to ask to talk with his nurse she may have more experience with what the doc usaually teaches his patients. And if she doesn't, she can find out for you. I'm sorry i feel like i'm rambling on and on. Have a restful night.