Inflammation

[LesJames]

Hello,

I am back on MTX an as such I have to have my blood checked every month. One of the reasons diagnosing my conditions is so difficult, is because my blood does not show a rise in any of the markers. If there is a rise then it is very slight. Currently despite having crippling Plantar Fasciitis my Esr,crp readings are 9 and 10 which is relatively high for me.

I was wondering that, as I have Hughes does this alter the viscosity of my blood so the sediment test is corrupted?

Would I benefit from having a Hs CRP test, which is supposed to be more sensitive.

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, if I am carrying a virus or infection or indeed inflamed in any way, my ESR and CRP usually show up as elevated. Regarding your foot problem this is very linked with thyroid issues, and unfortunately the TSH is not very reliable and the only test used. You get a more accurate picture by ordering a panel of more extensive tests, I regularly do this, paying for it myself, which is annoying, but the results are worth it. I am also very careful to maintain good levels of B12, D and Iron. Let me know if you want an idea of what to test for. MaryF

[LesJames in reply to MaryF]

Mary, Yes please. i would like to know the specific tests, so i can get to the bottom of my feet. they have been like this since before Christmas.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to LesJames]

I will message you. MaryF

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

There are people with SLE who are "sero-negative" and this is true for other autoimmune diseases. The ESR & CRP are used to indicate inflammation. If the CRP is high (normal is 0.5) this may indicate an infection. Results from your sed rate test will be reported in the distance in millimeters (mm) that red blood cells have descended in one hour (hr). The normal range is 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr for women. The upper threshold for a normal sed rate value may vary somewhat from one medical practice to another.

Are you saying your ESR is 9? This is low.

In reality, your specialist will get to know what is "normal" for your body.

The viscosity of the blood has nothing to do ie cannot be altered by these tests.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Sed rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body. A sed rate test isn't a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it can help your doctor diagnose or monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease.

When your blood is placed in a tall, thin tube, red blood cells (erythrocytes) gradually settle to the bottom. Inflammation can cause the cells to clump. Because these clumps are denser than individual cells, they settle to the bottom more quickly.

The sed rate test measures the distance red blood cells fall in a test tube in one hour. The farther the red blood cells have descended, the greater the inflammatory response of your immune system.

Because a sed rate test can't pinpoint the problem that's causing inflammation in your body, it's usually accompanied by other blood tests, such as the C-reactive protein (CRP) test.

If I were you, I would speak to your doctor because only they can explain the meaning of your results to you, in relation to the other blood tests. They cannot diagnose a condition.

With good wishes,

Ros

[LesJames in reply to lupus-support1]

Ros,

Thank you very much.