Are inflammatory markers like C Reactive Protein correlated with symptoms?

Hi . This is a great question, with no easy answer. It certainly wouldn't be surprising to see worsening symptoms with elevated CRP, but normal levels don't always mean controlled symptoms. Many in the community have experienced this issue and it can be extremely frustrating, particularly when doctors don't want to believe you. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), and I had a conversation with her rheumatologist and another doctor about this issue and they both acknowledged the likelihood that there is simply inflammation that the CRP and other tests do not measure. They noted that, why not, considering that before CRP the inflammation it measures was not being detected. There is even now some research into RA with normal CRP, such as this article: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/62/Supplement_2/kead104.165/7136293. I love it when Kelly's doctor notes the importance of treating to symptoms, as opposed to just tests. Hope this information is helpful and please know that you are not alone and you deserve to be heard about what you are experiencing. Best, Richard (Team Member)

Thanks, Richard. So far my rheumy has been proactive and we have been increasing the methotrexate dose. I guess we'll see what happnes.