Sorry it's me again with a question about CRP levels now. My first pre-treatment blood test CRP =81 (Apr2022). After steroids and naproxen my level was down to 6. Started on MTX end Oct and CRP level remained low (as far as I know) though I did have to have another steroid course over Dec because of declining mobility. Now in Jan a month after finishing 4 wk steroid course, I'm still on MTX and Naproxen only CRP is 15 and I feel it!
Should I be concerned that my CRP level is on the rise again. Should I try to contact the nurse?
***Update***
I've called the advice line which goes to answer phone and is a bit off-putting as they as they say it's only for serious issues now because of staffing. I have asked for an appointment with the rheumy nurse that I should have had by now anyway and mentioned my CRP increasing. Hopefully they'll see me in the near future.
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Gottarelax
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You're not alone here. I was diagnosed in August 22. CRP was 143. I had a 3 month course of prednisolone and started MTX. It came down to 14. Then before Xmas my CRP was back up to 136. I've since started sulfasalazine and I'm awaiting approval for biologics. I've also had two steroid jags in the same knee over the last 6 months plus one in the bum two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the treatment so far hasn't done an awful lot to gain any control. Although the steroids have helped. Maybe they will look at tweaking your treatment? I hope things get better for you!
Yes it would be worth contacting them, especially if you don’t have any viral or bacterial infections, both of which can also give high readings. Hopefully they will tweak your medication. My team are good at contacting me when there is an issue with my bloods. There is the possibility they’ve seen the results but aren’t concerned. However they don’t have the benefit of knowing how it’s impacting you. 🤗
Personally I go on symptoms and how I feel rather than CRP levels. If you’re feeling things getting worse again contact your rheumatology team regardless of what your CRP is doing.
CRP can be affected by many things not just inflammation in joints. For example having a virus can push your CRP up. Since being on leflunomide my CRP hardly ever goes above 1 but my pain and swollen joints when I’m flaring tell a different story.
The steroids definitely mask the active RA, so sounds like the MTX not very effective, though can take months to improve things. Check dose with the Rheumy etc, may need another drug with it! I was on MTX many years and had some periods when had to increase dose again due to flares. Good luck!
I've heard back from my answer phone enquiry. I now have a nurse appointment in just over a week. Now I need to make sure I've got all of my questions lined up.
I have a notebook so I can keep tabs on everything. Also ‘blood work books’ to monitor my levels. Writing things down helps enormously. Hope the appointment gives you some solace.
Hi, I would think it is the absence of steroids. Mtx can take 3 months to work, so just hang on in there.
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