CRP Levels

[CDreamer]

My CRP levels are monitored on a monthly basis and last week’s results triggered a call from my surgery saying an alert had been flagged as ‘they continue to be elevated’ and my GP needed a conversation with me. She is ringing this afternoon.

Has anyone ever had this happen?

Do you have your CRP levels checked as a matter of course, along with FBC’s, B12, Dvits etc?

Given the following statement Researchers believe that oxidative stress and inflammation underlie AF because these problems affect localized electrical activity in atrial muscle tissue. Individuals with AF also have significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in their blood. [from heartmdinstitute.com/heart-...]

I am assuming that is why my Mg is in flare and I feel rubbish with serious chronic fatigue, Mg symptoms - there but fairly mild, slightly elevated resting HR, nothing above 100, feeling vague flue like symptoms - hot flushes, chills, aches and pains, runny nose which comes and goes. I’m taking it really easy and resting lots and taking a LOT of fluids and peeing a LOT as a result.

I am currently doing all the other ‘natural’ stuff - avoiding inflammatory foods such as sugar, caffeine, dairy and gluten, taking Astragalus, drinking Tumeric tea and eating lots of garlic and chilli and ginger and all the other anti-inflammatory foods in my fridge & cupboard and do feel a bit better today since I have now become very strict with myself.

I am 12 days post PM revision and replacement of LV wire & 2 weeks prior to that I had a bad UTI infection which required serious antibiotics which I suspect was the original culprit but interested if anyone has any other thoughts as I think I may have also had short bouts of AF (can’t tell anymore because my pulse is always stable and regular because of the PM so Kardia doesn’t show irregularities).

Any thoughts or suggestions? What questions to ask my GP?

Best wishes CD

[ILowe]

I am curious to read what the GP thinks.

To take the pressure off you in the consultation, could you agree on a 2-3 day cooling off period for any suggestions the GP makes? When there is something new to you, you need time to digest it and research it.

[CDreamer in reply to ILowe]

See my reply to Nella

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear of this new twist, CD.

I have had my CRP levels tested over the past 6 years, including just a couple of months ago before starting to take the micronutrients suggested by Dr. Sinatra. Fortunately, mine were normal. It is important to have them checked, as they can trigger cardiac issues.

I think that one change I made that helped reduce inflammation was cutting out sugar and the other dietary causes of inflammation, which, for me, were FODMAPs. Stress can cause inflammation, too.

If it were me, I'd probably want to have the test redone just to check to be sure it's accurate. With other tests, my doc hasn't been too concerned about an elevated level (I'm thinking BUN/Creatinine) so you never know.

I've mentioned to you that I tested positive for a reactivated Epstein-Barr virus and am wondering if you've been tested for that. If not, you might consider having the full panel done (4 tests). The symptoms you describe are listed for EBV. I've been pounding herbal anti-virals for a few years, along with more immune system support recently, so I don't experience those symptoms now, but I have had a lot of fatigue at times.

Also, my recent research on the impact of EBV is that it can cause inflammation in the heart, and thus trigger AF. I don't know if this would register as elevated CRP.

I recently started taking L-Lycine, an amino acid that boosts the immune system and do notice a difference. Also taking Micro Liposomal C, a better-absorbed Vitamin C (amazon.com/Micro-Liposomal-... Have also just started a protocol to clear out the EBV, my summer project..

Hope you feel better soon.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Ian & Nella - I spoke to my GP - outcome is that she confirmed that the continued elevated levels were probably down to the op 12 days ago, so soon after the UTI so she will continue to monitor & watch the next results due 1st week in July & if they are still elevated have a face to face appointment. I felt reassured by that. In the meantime another urine test.

Everything else looked fine & my cholesterol ratio ‘optimal’.

Because I take Mycophenolate (immune suppressant) I need to be very careful about which part of the immune system I use herbs etc to strengthen - do you know which part L-Lucien works on? If it’s - T cells it’s OK for me to take.

Thanks for your reply. CD

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CD, glad to hear of the prompt response of your GP.

Sorry, I don't know exactly how the L-Lycine works in the immune system. I just know that I can feel an improvement.

Here's a tip you may want to explore at some point.

I'm a huge fan of Herbal Antibiotics. My former acupuncturist prescribed this blend by Evergreen Herbs (in the US), which I used with great success and none of the dreadful side effects of regular antibiotics when I had a gum infection several months ago.

You do have to have a practitioner order them for you, but if you call customer service, they can give you info on practitioners in the UK they work with.

evherbs.com/component/virtu...

While I left that former acupuncturist, I have another kind practitioner I discovered from the company who orders the herbs for me at wholesale price, without needing a full consultation. Can't promise you'd discover that, but who knows.

Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

Could be other things do you have any dental issues for example they can push up your levels stress is a biggie as well and lack of or poor sleep !

[CDreamer]

As I have it tested monthly and it has only been elevated in the past 2 months, I really don’t think it is either sleep or stress but it coincides with the recent UTI and the operation, my GP agrees that this is the most likely cause but we will look at other causes if it doesn’t come down.

I am treated for SA with CPAP and achieve 90-100% good quality sleep for at least 6 hours/night most nights -I track it carefully. It has been a little off in the last week recently of the op but nothing drastic. No psychological stress triggers - I am retired with no external pressures and have regular meditation with daily mindfulness practice so it’s not

[MarkS]

Hi CDreamer, I'm amazed you manage to get all those tests done through your GP! I've had one CRP test in the past which was done privately. Do you actually get FBC, Vit D, B12 checks as well? Is that once a year?

I've read articles that too much fluid is not good for you as it just washes out all the nutrients. However, as you suggested, I think the main cause of your problems are the strong antibiotics you took which will have completely altered your gut microbiome. I see lots of articles in New Scientist on how important the microbiome is to your physical and emotional health.

[CDreamer in reply to MarkS]

FBC, CPR, kidney & liver functions every 4 weeks, cholesterol 6 months, B12 6 months & everything else as requested or annual. It’s an CCQ outstanding & very exceptional practice.

I have online access to all results & they ring me immediately if there are any red flags. I’ve been called in to discuss low iron & various other stuff a few times so now I feel confident that someone is watching my back & I rarely now have to actually visit the GP unless I need them to physically look at something.

The only thing they don’t monitor me for is D3 but the local hospital lab has just launched a very reasonable private service for many blood tests which if you are a member of the Trust - undercut the commercial labs.

I know I’m very, very lucky, especially as 1 of our GP’s is also Functional Medicine trained & very aware of the importance of micro nutrients as well as the macro. I think she was very influential in getting these services up and running.