Can u have active sle with (-)crp ? rheum says no. on hcq for yrs but at 20 yrs old have daily morning finger swelling and nsaids arent working.

Yes: The physical exam takes precedence over the labs; it's also worth remembering that labs in rheumatology are prone to technical problems and pitfalls. The real question is whether you really want to add or increase medication with just this information -- that's where the experience of the rheumatologist comes in. Lupus meds themselves are all risky. I wish you the best.