I think the point CathyLynn was trying to make is that there is no correlation between these tests and a persons condition. It is not as simple as having an objective measurement to define your pain - it doesn't work that way.
With approximately 20% of the people, there is no evidence of elevated levels in their bloodwork and there simply isn't any answer as to why. I happen to be one of those people. I'm living in a constant "flare" that drives me closer and closer to the brink of sanity every day, I walk with a cane and will soon be getting a scooter or a chair one day soon. Certainly there are worse cases than mine out there but my blood work has never indicated anything abnormal with the exception of one liver enzyme that is off the charts and makes my doctors suspect that I am a closet alcoholic? (APP or something?)
I asked my rheumy about it and he told me that some folks are just like that. He added, "If you can figure out why that is, let me know and I'll get a Nobel prize for it".
As I see it, if you are one of those people who can see a correlation between these tests and your symptoms then they can be a very useful tool to help you manage your pain. Don't think for one second that the results can be compared to other people or that the abscence of any results suggests that someone's condition isn't serious.
Hope your having a great day
Chris
