ESR

[Elmo333]

Hi. Just been to see rheum nurse and she said that although the ESR range is usually 1-12, in rheumatology 1-30 is considered normal. Has anyone else been told this? My ESR hasn’t been under 30 for years. It is often between 35-70 and have been told that that is significantly raised. This time it was only 31 so she said it was perfect?!

I’m also super annoying that I purposely had my bloods done last week because I was flaring but my dr didn’t label them properly so they were never processed. Very frustrating!!

[charisma]

Never heard anyone say that high ESR is ‘normal’. It indicates something WRONG!! Not sure on x-ray but the picture will show muscles, organs etc if in chest cavity; so they probably know what they’re doing.

[Hidden]

Do you think the Rheum meant that ESR is often raised in those with RA rather than it is normal to have ESR30+? Trying that Dr mislabelled your blood. Grrrr

[Elmo333 in reply to Hidden]

She wasn’t very clear but she definitely said that the level rheumatology see as normal is upto 30. She is. Or the best, most experienced nurse so who knows?!

[helixhelix]

My GP considers that for a person of my age an ESR of 30 or under is normal. Which doesn't work for me as, unlike you, I have naturally low levels. Normal is 2-4, and a flare for me starts around 8 and if it gets to 20 I am immobile!

What worked was doing a graph of my results for last 8 years... which clearly showed that.

[Elmo333 in reply to helixhelix]

Frustrating. My levels do not always mirror my symptoms ie ESR can be high when I’m fine and vice Verda.

[Hidden]

The highest my ESR has been is 86. That's when my GP referred me to Rheumatology. I was told a 'normal' result i.e.no disease of any kind at all, should be 20 or below.

[girli1111]

Hmmmmm I’m not sure I’d be ok with that. My constant is 10, I was on my knees when it hit 33

[oldtimer]

I don't think that statement is at all helpful. ESR is a measure of some sort of inflammatory process long term. The upper level of 'normal' should be set by the laboratory that processes it. But it doesn't imply that for an individual that level is 'normal' as inflammation may occur without showing up in an ESR test. It's just a guide in the overall picture.

[Elmo333 in reply to oldtimer]

I agree with you!