Hi -
Went for diagnostic blood tests yesterday- they are looking for some kind of autoimmune arthritis. Randomly, I felt far better than usual! If you’re tested when you’re not having a flare, does that necessarily mean they won’t find anything? Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to feel great, but of all days! I am now worried they’ll say it’s nothing, when of course, I know there is something, even if there want much of it yesterday! Blooming typical!
It shouldn’t make a difference. If they are testing you for antibodies either they are there or they’re not, and they don’t change quickly at all.
And then there are 2 markers for inflammation; ESR (sedimentation rate) and CRP (reactive protein). The CRP is an acute phase reactant, so can change quite quickly, but ESR takes weeks to rise and fall. Sometimes I stop anti-inflammatories for a few days before a test but it seems to make no difference, just makes it easier for a doctor to see swollen joints.
I wouldn’t worry as blood tests are only one bit of the diagnostic process.
Awesome - thank you - that has put my mind at rest!
That is so helpfull to know. Thank you
Hi, Lotika. Helix says it very well and she is the one who knows. There's a lesson to be learned though. Keep a journal of your symptoms, mood, pain and feelings. Because on a good day you might not remember the bad days so well. If you can show the team a picture over a longer period, they can help a lot more. There is an app Ampersand/MyArthritis which has been developed with NRAS and is excellent for that.
My previous question : \"list of food you can eat when you have RA.\"
Good blood test results, but still feel rubbish?
Covid antibody results
Have been diagnosed with RA for eleven years, all good on MTX but have had sleep problems since being diagnosed.
