I have the symptoms of RA, but all of my lab work has been negative. How likely is it that I have RA?

I am 35 and have recently been diagnosed with RA. I have the symptomatic joint pain, swelling and my maternal grandmother had RA with several nodes. However, all my lab work has been negative, including a very low anti-CCP. How likely it is that I have RA, given my lab work? What amount and type of exercise is helpful for RA?

Answer: If you have a persistent inflammation in the small joints of your hands and feet, on both sides of your body, it is likely, given your family history, that you do have RA, If there is any question, you should be seen by a rheumatologist. Exercise is very important and should be guided by a physical therapist and graded upward depending on your particular joint problems and response to the initial therapy program.