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many people with RA begin the trek seronegative (RF neg) and later become positive.  Having a high anti-ccp suggests the potential for severe aggressive disease and possible future disablity.  current protocal is to treat early disease aggressively to avoid future suffering and recent studies show that many people can acheive remission if given aggressive early treatment during the first year.  You can always get a 2 nd opinion, but you do not want to risk missing your, "window of opportunity" as you are recently diagnosed.  I have never had an abnormal sed rate or CRP test, yet have aggressive disease.  I asked a mayo rheumatoid doc why my inflammatory indicators are always normal and he said, "I have seen several patients like you with severe disease and normal inflammatory indicators".  It fooled 3 other rheumatoid docs who did not have his experience and delayed my treatment to my detriment.  I would follow their advice and not read too much into the bloodwork.  It presents and effects everyone different.  Enbrel rocks.