Post Prednisone Blood Work

[autrainriver]

This forum has been helpful and supportive throughout the ups and downs of PMR so thank you to all. I am seeking information regarding post prednisone monitoring and what to watch for. Like many, when pains come and linger my mind goes to PMR so that is not always the best guideline. Have those that are no longer on prednisone had blood work done, were the tests for ESR and CRP and what frequency? Any input would be helpful. Thanks again!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi autrainriver,

I think once you come off Pred, all the normal aches and pains of life that it had previously masked start creeping back. If you've been on it a long time as well, you're apt to forget that you are that number of years older, and the body has aged maybe without you realising it! Plus of course, Pred affects other hormones, organs in your body which all take time to settle again.

It's all to easy to blame every niggle on PMR, but invariably it's not! If you think rationally about it you can probably guess what they are (too much gardening usually in my case), but of course you should not ignore any that you think are very similar to your original PMR symptoms.

I've been off Pred for about 9 months and have had mine ESR done about 3 times- usually if they're testing for something else at the same time. I did request a test just recently because I didn't feel very good -arthritic shoulder playing up - and ironically it was the lowest ESR I've had for the last 2 years. Just goes to show what's in the mind isn't always what's in the body!

My advice would be - be positive, don't dwell on the fact you've had PMR, but don't let any persistent pain go on untreated/undiagnosed.

If in real doubt, then get it checked, but most of all try and get back to enjoying life as best you can.

[autrainriver in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks!

[SheffieldJane]

I think you'd know autrainriver, the pain and stiffness are so distinctive. I would just get on with enjoying my life and rebuilding my strength. If however you suspect the old dragon is waking I'd give it a couple of weeks and then go to the GP for a Pred prescription. Hope that is not the case!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The ESR or CRP on its own doesn't mean much - so many things can put it up and it is just part of a bigger picture which includes the typical symptoms. Just forget about it - most people don't get a return but when they do it can be months or years later!

[autrainriver in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks everyone for your input.