Newly diagnosed and confused about treatment

Hi all! I was diagnosed with RA within the past few months. My only symptoms were bilateral shoulder pain and swollen/stiff fingers for a couple months. I have now started experiencing some bilateral knee pains but not terrible. We did labs which came back with positive RF and CCP. I had a negative sed rate and CRP. My dr tried treating me for 3 weeks with just Naproxen and a muscle relaxer. This helped my shoulders but did nothing for my hands as far as swelling and stiffness. Because I was sereo-positive and still having hand issues, he said we needed to start treatment. I tried Plaquenil but had to stop due to side effects. From there we moved to Methotrexate, but again, because of terrible ulcers in my mouth and nose, I had to come off the drug. I was only on it for 3 weeks. Our next step is biologics which scares me even more.

I understand the need for aggressive treatment but it is hard for me to accept because I am not in horrible pain like so many I read about on here. Yes, my fingers are swollen and stiff in the mornings and hurt sometimes and my knees bother me some days but aside from that and the fatigue, I feel ok. Has anyone had positive RF and CCP with negative inflammation markers? What course of treatment did you take?

Thanks!

Thanks for the reply BadDay. So sorry you’ve had a hard time with the meds. I have had some “asthma” type issues that started a couple years back. I have been treated with daily inhalers and Singulair. I was recently sent to a Pulmonary dr bc I was sick all of January. After 4 rounds of antibiotics and 2 rounds of steroids, I got over it. They did a sinus and chest CT to make sure they weren’t missing something. The pulmonologist feels like this could be more RA related than asthma since my pulmonary function tests didn’t really indicate asthma. My inhaler was bumped up to help with inflammation and it has made a big difference. My rheumatologist said once we find a medicine that will work for me, we may notice a decease in lung issues. So you are correct on the thinking of inflammation with internal organs. I see him on Monday and will def have a talk with him about my concerns. He is open minded and truly cares. Thanks and have a blessed day!