Is there any link between a high ESR blood count and lupus.

[Briagh]

[Purpletop]

If you mean only ESR is high, then not necessarily. ESR is one of the inflammation markers that in a diagnosed lupus sufferer shows the disease is active but for a non-diagnosed person, that is not always the case. ESR only shows that there is inflammation but doesn't show why or where in the body that inflammation is. Which is why by itself, a high ESR is not sufficient to diagnose lupus. One can have a high ESR if they have a chest infection, for example, or even tooth infection.

[Briagh in reply to Purpletop]

Thanks for your reply. My doctor now thinks,based on other symptoms, that I may have lupus but has not mentioned any connection with lupus and ESR levels. In fact he has been treating me for poly myalgia within steroids for two years. This is what he thought was related to the high ESR count, although it does not come down much on steroids....which makes it unlikely to be poly myalgia as it usually responds well to steroids. Have to see a neurologist and a rheumatologist but I suspect this may take months. An MRI scan shows no cancer in the body, but the pain is almost everywhere.

[pattismith in reply to Briagh]

never forget knowledge is POWER for you, write down a list of things you want to ask when you get to see consultants, dont let them rush you, take control of your time spent with them, dont take no as an answer keep plugging away, and never forget its your body and well being that is paramount, Good Luck, ask if you think l can help with anything that might be bothering you - a problem shared ! : )

[Thaddeus]

As said above, ESR is on of the inflammatory markers, so if you are feelling sore you might expect it to be high. ask for CRP and CPK (CK) markers