For a month now Im traveling in Asia and have been ill. First was fever and body aches paracetamol taken then Throat chest infections antibiotics course now am suffering from a flair up I think.
what would be the best tests to have to see if I’m having a flare up. ?
I’ve been talking sulfasalazine and methotrexate for over 10 years now and haven’t experienced any flare ups as far as I know.
so what tests should I get to find out.
kind regards
CRP & ESR are the two inflammatory markers used to assess flares. Although saying that they only show there is inflammation in the body, so would also be raised if you have an infection. Not everyone has raised markers, but I guess you’ll know what’s normal for you, as you have regular blood tests as part of taking MTX. So you should be able to compare with those results.
Have you seen a doctor? Maybe a good idea?
My rheumatologist doesn’t do extra tests if I’m flaring, they just examines the joints that are causing problems.
What were your initial symptoms there is usually a reoccurrence or very similar. Tried once to describe my own to a nurse and feel as if my veins are stuffed full of something usually have swelling and pain. Sounds more infection just from your description?
When I used to stay in E. Malaysia I would go monthly to a clinic and arrange same blood test for monitoring MTX, full blood tests and liver function.
I was also able to get my son back in UK to call the advice line about concerns at certain times. Have to tried to obtain a Covid flow test to check it's not Covid?
All the best.
- Flare ups how long is an average flare up
RA Sudden flare up & Covid jab 
Flare up with virus ? 
STRESS RELATED FLARE UP!
High potassium / flare up 
