ESR & CRP

[Whatnow1973]

Hi

I have an appointment with a rheumatologist at the end of Feb and also an endo about my hyper cholesterol. However, just had another blood test and my ESR is 125, last time about 7 weeks ago it was 115 and I was having a ‘flare up’. Currently I wouldn’t say I’m normal, my hip constantly hurts but I can manage fine. Although today I almost feel like I can feel the inflammation- I feel puffy & fatigued.

I’m posting because I’m trying to understand if very high ESR is common? My CRP is fine. Be great if others who had high ESR could share and also share how they reduced this.

Thx

[AgedCrone]

Why don’t you wait until you see the rheumy at the end of the month?

Make a note of the questions you want answering ..but don’t expect a black & white reply…RA & it’s tests are complicated.

One test result can be normal for you but abnormal for someone else …so concentrate on how each drug you are prescribed is helping…or not…then discuss with your rheumy nurse.

In hope you are lucky & find something that helps you very quickly.

[Whatnow1973 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. Yes I’m sure you’re right, just worried that’s all x

[oldtimer2]

ESR shows more of the effects of long term inflammation, it often takes weeks to return to normal levels after being raised. CRP represents more of what is happening now and is more useful.

[Whatnow1973 in reply to oldtimer2]

Thanks, so if my CRP is normal then that’s good? ESR however is going up.

Although my CRP is in range the result says abnormal which makes no sense. I CV e got a phone next Tuesday to discuss but initially the doctors just said repeat tests in a month, not sure why they would want to repeat again!

CRP

[Chockyuk]

Hello 👋

My CRP is and always has been either just slightly raised or normal. My ESR though has been, like you, quite frequently in the 100’s - so my Consultant uses that as my reliable marker.

In the case of my ESR not reducing when I had hip pain, even though a steroid injection had helped ease it a bit, my ESR continued to rise, my highest was 149. My Rheumatologist sent me for a few tests plus an MRI which showed severe synovitis in the hip. It took a good while for the ESR to come down, I’m talking months, with the help of a second med added to my Mthx, but now it’s eventually back to normal and my hip pain gone.

Speak to your consultant again if you can, it may well be your hip, would she book you for an MRI? It’s really the only way to see if it’s causing your raised ESR, I had one with contrast.

I hope that helps.

x

[Whatnow1973 in reply to Chockyuk]

Hi Chocokuk

This is really helpful. I haven’t seen the rheumatologist yet, not till Feb 27th. I do have an ultrasound on my hip tomorrow, arranged ages ago and I thought it was going to be an MRI so we will see.

Have you had to take steroids? I’m struggling to lose weight which is really making me unhappy, honestly if I gain more I’m not sure I can’t cope!

[Chockyuk in reply to Whatnow1973]

I’m glad you’re having some sort of imaging done 👍

I always ask for an injection as oral forms of Pred gives me terrible indigestion. I haven’t found weight gain with the Depo Medrone, but with Pred my nose was never out of the fridge! 😞

x