High CRP

[Sjhoney]

Hi, I got my blood results yesterday and my CRP level is up at 77! This is a big jump from a couple of months ago when it was at 30. Should I be concerned about this? There doesn’t seem to be any urgency at all from the drs side but I’m worried. I don’t see my rheumatologist until September which seems a long way off at the moment.

Suggestions?

Thanks 😊

[helixhelix]

Have you had a recent infection of any sort as CRP is not specific to RA so any kind of infection can make it rise? It does tend to change quickly in respond to infections, and then go back to your normal quickly too.

If not, and if you feel worse, then ask your doctors again. At the very least ask to be retested in a couple of weeks to get a better idea of what's happening.

[Sjhoney in reply to helixhelix]

Hi, I’m having bloods done tomorrow so hopefully there’ll be change. I have been in more pain these past few weeks so maybe just a flare? I’ve got sciatica at the moment which is really getting me down 😩

ThAnks for your advice 😊

[helixhelix in reply to Sjhoney]

Sciatica can spark off inflammation in the facet joint, or round the disc. So may well be the reason for the rise in CRP....

[Sjhoney in reply to helixhelix]

Oh right, that’s handy to know. Every day’s a school day 😄

[Pitbull2017]

Being someone who suffers from RA and had two heart attacks, the last one ten years ago, I always look at my CRP after a blood test, CRP looks at inflammation levels, and CRP can also be used for cardiovascular risk assessment. My understanding is that just one blood test can be misleading, it needs to be the trend before any medical intervention needs to be taken, I do believe in managing your own illnesses, by that I mean if you feel the need to ask a consultant, doctor or nurse a question then ask it, I keep a copy of my blood tests, probably because 25 years ago RA sufferers were encouraged to, I don't think it does any harm to try and understand your illness , it shows you are taking interest in your health most consultants applaud it.

[Sjhoney in reply to Pitbull2017]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

I take a keen interest in my blood results, that’s why I’m concerned. I have bloods done every 2wks and always check the results. They hadn’t been checking my CRP lately so it was me who requested it.

I’m getting them done today so if it’s still rising I’m hoping they’ll pick up on it.

Sarah

[Pitbull2017 in reply to Sjhoney]

Sarah

are you on biological medication?

Mike

[Sjhoney in reply to Pitbull2017]

No I take lefluonomide 20mg 😊

[wishbone in reply to Pitbull2017]

Hiya, are you saying that because you have RA and had two heart attacks that your doctors have blood tests done on a regular basis specifically to check your CRP?

[Pitbull2017 in reply to wishbone]

No I'm not saying that, I'm on methotrexate and a biological injection and have a monthly blood test one of the things they test is CRP, what other people have tests for I have no idea.

[wishbone in reply to Pitbull2017]

Thanks.

[Angels54]

Hi mine is 70 the pain has been terrible can’t get it under control, pain day and night .

[wishbone in reply to Angels54]

I can empathise as my RA is not under control. What medication are you taking?

[Sjhoney in reply to wishbone]

I’m on lefluonomide 20mg. This is the fourth dmard I’ve tried and it was all going well but I’ve hit a sudden peak in CRP. Will see what today’s results bring 🙄

[Pitbull2017 in reply to Sjhoney]

I asked about biologicale medication because I've now been on it 5 years with tremendous improvement, I had to go through the full list of tablets over the years, my point is if you get the chance to go on a biological medication please give it a try, hopefully it will do the same for you, good luck everyone.

[Sjhoney in reply to Pitbull2017]

I definitely will try them if I get the chance, just not sore that’ll happen 🙄

[Sjhoney]

My gp is on top of things, requested another blood test, so I’m thinking if it’s higher something will be done? I’ve had a bout of sciatica so maybe that’s what’s caused it?

This disease just keeps on giving 🙄😄

[wishbone]

Might be wise to phone rheumy if it's gone higher.

Good luck

[Sjhoney]

I’m hoping the gp will flag it up.

[Leics]

It can sometimes be your medication that can raise your CRP too are all your other bloods in normal range ? Hopefully it’s just a glitch but if you are suffering from sciatica then it could explain it. I would go and see your GP and get them to explain all results then ask them to contact your rheumy for an appointment if it’s still raised. Are you taking over the counter anti-inflammatory’s because it could be a reaction to them as well. Just a guess but have found if something doesn’t suit me (antibiotics in my case) it can send my CRP through the roof.

[Sjhoney]

I had repeat bloods done today at gp request so I’m thinking if it’s still raised they’ll want to see me? I’ll certainly want to see them 😳

All other bloods ok as far as I’m aware.

S x