Blood tests

[Sammie46]

Ive received a letter from my rheumatologist copying in my gp. It said my Esr 82, crp was 36 and my anti nuclear anti body test was 1.400. I knew my ana test was positive but until the 6th of november, when i have more tests, im not sure if the others are high or not.

[WomblingFree]

I’m still learning about blood results. A normal CRP level is <5, so 36 is high. However, I have seen people on this site discuss CRP levels of nearly 100. A normal ESR is 3-9 but those figures might differ in age groups. I hope this helps.

[Sammie46 in reply to WomblingFree]

I see, im 48 so not ancient lol

[WomblingFree in reply to Sammie46]

Hahaha So am I!

[helixhelix]

They are a bit high. What did the rheumatologist propose to do? As that's the more important bit!

[Sammie46 in reply to helixhelix]

I see her in 4 weeks time but since the last time i saw her 4 weeks ago, my hands, feet and elbows are so painful with swollen areas

[Lesley_1 in reply to Sammie46]

My rheumatologist is freaking over my ESR being in the 60’s. CRP of 18 is considered too high too. Your blood work is confirming the inflammation in your hands etc

[Sammie46 in reply to Lesley_1]

My inflammation at the time of blood test was one knee. Its double the size of my other leg. Its only in the last 10 days or so that my hands have swollen along with my feet , ankles and elbow

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Sammie. Your ESR (chronic or long term inflammation) value is on the high side, which would indicate you've had inflammation some time whereas your CRP (acute or current inflammation) whilst raised isn’t too too bad, that's as it was on the day, it may have raised some since the bloods were done if you feel your inflammation is worse.

Did your Rheumy say why the ANA test was being taken? Have you been officially diagnosed with RD or other autoimmune disease or do these form part of her investigations towards diagnosis?

[Sammie46 in reply to nomoreheels]

Ive only seen my ra consultant once and she did not say which tests i was having. Ive not been diagnosed as yet and my inflammation has spread from 1 knee to both knees, both hands, 1 elbow and both feet

[nomoreheels in reply to Sammie46]

That makes sense. These form part of your diagnostic tests. It's common I’m afraid to have inflammation in your extremities, hands & feet. This is why it's important to be diagnosed & started on meds promptly for exactly the reasons you're experiencing, if left unmedicated inflammation has a chance to spread to other joints. But you'll find things should settle once you've a firm diagnosis & your Rheumy starts you on your meds, given a few weeks that is. He may choose to use steroids as a bridging med to bring down that inflammation whilst waiting for your meds to take over.

Let us know how you get on.

[Sammie46]

Thank you. Consultant is a she but shes quite rude