C-reactive protein

[Fayski]

Greetings from northern Canada! I was diagnosed with RA 6 months ago and my CRP was in the 100s. It has gone up and down since then. It was 1.7 last month and I was told I'm in remission. Now it's up to 27.5 again. Does anyone have any experience with this? The inflammation is obviously still in my body but I'm not sure why it does the yoyo like this. I'm quite concerned as I thought I was getting better...I'm on Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and adalimumab. Thanks for any advice.

[ruth_p]

It can go up if you have a cold or an infection, if you feel like your RA is still ok this could be the reason. It might be back down again on your next blood test.

[Fayski in reply to ruth_p]

Thanks Ruth_P. I’ll be patient.

[Marionfromhappydays]

CRP isn't specific so any type of Inflammation can cause a rise.

There are many things that can cause it to shoot up; Great that it's some down fron the 100's

[Fayski in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Thing is, there is no inflammation that I know of apart from the RA. Thanks for your reply Marionfromhappydays .

[Leics]

The only time my CRP is raised is when I have an infection so there can be many reasons for the increase including the meds we take so maybe try and get a blood test as long after taking your meds as you can and see if that makes a difference. I always make sure I drink lots of water before the appointment too as it helps with blood flow too. I hope you find an answer but you may not. Good it’s down from over 100 though.

[Fayski in reply to Leics]

Thank you Leics. I’ll try that.

[welsh12]

I had a bad cold a couple of months ago and CRP was raised and arthritis was OK so as others said infection causes higher levels

[Fayski in reply to welsh12]

Thing is there is no other infection that I know of.. Thank you welsh12!

[welsh12 in reply to Fayski]

As long has you feel OK they monitor the trends and let you know if concerned

[Fayski]

thanks welsh12, that’s reassuring.