Newbie looking for treatment insights

After a long year of stress, I developed severe GI issues, autoimmune thyroid disease, and eventually developed such bad joint pain in my knees and elbows I asked for testing.

Rheumatologist found both positive Anti-CCP and anti-pancreatic enzymes. Considerations are RA/Crohns. I have frequent digestive issues, and had scopes done when the symptoms were flaring, which did not show any significant findings.

Since it all started 6 months ago, I have lost 20+ pounds.

I have taken short periods of low dose prednisone which did not seem to help joints at all but make my GI issues worse.

I tried sulfasalazine until developing an allergic reaction after a month.

The next suggestion from rheumatologist is biologics because I appear to have significant malabsorption.

All that being said, my RF, Sed Rate, and CRP have never been elevated. I also do not have other markers indicative of IBD.

I am concerned about the side effects of a biologic. Despite the benefit of potentially catching RA early, am I rushing into treatment? The pain right now is enough to say no, but I also do not want to pursue the highest tier of treatment if it is not the right decision.

Any advice would be great.