Some of my blood tests are back

[Fatfingers]

Evening all, I have received some of my blood tests back and wondered if anyone could shed some light on them.

I have some higher than ref range results.

ALT 51 (<40)

C Reactive Protein 9 (<5)

MCHC 358 (300-350)

ESR 19 (1-10)

I also have a low lymphocyte count of 0.7 (1.5-4.5)

Test for RF in normal range.

Any ideas?

C x

[helixhelix]

There's no way for us to tell what these might mean, you need a doctor to interpret them in the light of your previous blood results, medical history, symptoms and so on. All I can say is that they are only just out of range, apart form the lymphocytes which is low'ish - but that could simply mean you have a cold!

There is some inflammation, but again could be due to lots of things. But generally your results don't look alarming.

Sorry not to be able to help, but this is a question for a doctor.

[Fatfingers in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks Helix, the inflammation has come down from 3-4months ago, esr was 42 and Crp 72 but I have been taking Zapain & ibuprofen all that time.

I appreciate I need to speak to a doctor but my next rheumatologist appointment is another 2. 5 months away. I'm still awaiting results for bone profile, anti-ccp, Ana, Dna, B27 & Ena.

Maybe I should speak with my GP. I have also got an ultrasound to come on my hands and feet in 3 weeks time. So maybe I'll be a bit further down the road to a diagnosis then.

[helixhelix in reply to Fatfingers]

The thing is that your results don't point specifically to one thing. Yes they are slightly out, but there are so many reasons for that that it doesn't clearly say it's X or Y. If your anti-CCP is positive then that will be more of a clue.

For me, when I'm due to have a test to search for inflammation I stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs beforehand. I'm slow to react so stop 10 days before, others react more quickly so only need to stop a couple of days earlier.

But do ask GP particularly about liver and white blood cells.

[Fatfingers in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks Helix, I only stopped the anti inflammatories 2 days before my blood tests. Thanks for the reassurance. It is frustrating not having a diagnosis and deep down hope it's reactive arthritis and it will eventually get better. Only time will tell.

[lucymead in reply to Fatfingers]

I really wouldn't worry ,if any of your results are cause for concern your GP would be informed by your rheumy team. your rheumy team would have contacted You immediately. This is what has happened with me, I was informed by GP and Rheumy nurse to stop Taking Leflumonide immediately 1 day after bloods where done.

[Fatfingers in reply to lucymead]

Thanks for the reply Lucy and for the reassurance. I hope you're well now.

[lucymead in reply to Fatfingers]

I am and starting to feel like my old self again. Restarted Benepali injections 6 weeks ago. I have been told that the Leflumonide may stay in my system for up to 2 years. The side effects will take a while to disappear but my blood pressure is coming down nicely now. I do hope you are sorted out soon too.

[Fatfingers in reply to lucymead]

Thanks Lucy, glad your feeling better & the meds are working for you now.

[LD1954]

You are okay from a RA perspective. I have seen CRP at 400+

[Fatfingers in reply to LD1954]

Thanks LD1954.

[Leics]

Hi you need to get results confirmed by doc but raised ALT alanine transaminaise is part of liver function. Not too raised to worry about I’ve had results in past much higher than that. Normally due to drugs you are on. CRP and Esr are inflammatory markers but near enough normal. RF is rheumatoid factor which near enough normal too. Sometimes crp and esr and lymphocytes can be abnormal due to another infection or cold or other reason. Can’t help with others but ask your GP or rheumy to confirm. If they’re really worried they would call you but a small increase is not usually anything to worry about.

[Fatfingers in reply to Leics]

Thanks Leics. I am on blood pressure tablets as well so maybe something to do with that. I'll follow up with Gp when I can get an appointment.

[Leics]

To be honest I think your liver function test being raised has more to do with anti inflammatory. Little known fact but ibuprofen is aspirin based like most anti inflammatories can play havoc with liver function particularly if you have an intolerance to aspirin. I’m not able to take any at all is awful for the stomach too. Hope you get some answers from your rheumy or doc but you don’t necessarily have to have raised crp, esr or rheumatoid factor to have rheumatoid arthritis and be having a flare (regardless of results) you know your own body and know if something is not right.

[Fatfingers]

Thanks for the info. There is definitely something going on in my body and I think it is RA, but still more testing to be done. Ultrasound tests for my hands and feet in a few weeks time. I am waiting for the rest of my blood and x ray results to come through from the rheumatologist. I can see now how it can take a long time to get a diagnosis.