R/A Really?

No smoker for 30 years, Non drinker 30 years. Up until a year ago in excellent phys condition. Drs say I have rhuematoid arthritis because it looks like R/A. I am being treated with Prednisone10 mg daily (started a year ago on prednisone) and Methotexate 20mg once a week (started 4 weeks ago). I 2-4 miles walk everyday carrying 20 extra pounds of weights in my backpack and I also carry 2 10# dumbells. Here's the rub. I was tested by Quest for R/A factor result was 8 (below 14 is OK) ANACHOICE Screen W/refl to titer was Negative. SED rate by modified westergren =1 (below 20 is good). Bilirubin total = 0.4 (range is 0.2-1.2 mg/dL. So liver is excellent, SED rate shows no inflamation (inflammation) (wrists have been and always swollen to some degree) Can anyone explain to me how I have R/A? As a footnote I have been diagnosed as having rocky mountain spotted fever. ( 2 out of 4 tests said so. Arthritis symptoms started last year along with the diagnosis.

[txsilver]

Just so I am sure I got this right, the arthritis symptoms and the RMSF diagnosis came at the same time?  When did you have your blood work by Quest?  Were you taking your meds at that time?  Have you been treated with antibiotics for the RMSF?
It is not impossible that you had both going on at once, but maybe not likely.  Aches and pains are a symptom of RMSF.  I think a second or third opinion may be in order.