Confusing blood results.

[IdasMum]

Hello....

Some of you will recall that back in October last year I was off steroids at the behest of a new rheumy to enable her to diagnose. My blood test back then showed ESR x 1 hour @18mm and at 2nd hour 41mm and my CRP 14.3

This Weds results with me on 12.5mg show ESR's @20 & 44mm & CRP @ 15.1

I have been feeling well, I have been doing the stairs okay. I fell in a nettle patch 2 weeks ago and that was not nice but didn't feel it caused me to feel less well PMR wise. We've just had guests here for 3 days and the inevitable stresses around that haven't phased me and we had a week away meeting new granddaughter that was very stressful at the end as we missed our return flight. In fact I haven't felt that 'lack of spoons' much either....maybe I am pacing myself more appropriately.

So I am surprised at these results as I expected lower.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Ida'sMum,

Glad to hear you're feeling better - and that really is the most important thing.

As we often say the bloods readings can be affected by other things, and don't always reflect an accurate picture of the illness.

I would hazard a guess that a. the nettle incident caused a spike, as well as b. the stress.

Stress over my late hubby certainly caused my figures to rise, and consternation with GP a few years ago. No symptoms, (no nettles!), just stress!

Carry on as you are, without the stress (if possible!) and I'm sure you next batch of tests will reduce.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As DL says, the bloods will reflect all sorts of things. It is how you feel that matters.

[jinasc]

These tests are just to confirm to the medics that something is going on, they then have to find out 'what is going on'.

They are useful as markers in some cases but they can go up and down for any reason at all. ie cold, stress, falling down etc.

People can have PMR, GCA and those markers never shift either up or down.

I had GCA and I had a kidney infection about a year after. I saw my GP on a Monday and he diagnosed and put me on anti-biotics. I also had a blood test that day.

My GP knocking on my door on Wednesday at 8.30am. The result of that test was the CRP was 245 and he came straight out because he thought the GCA had flared and was extremely worried.

I invited him in, sat him down with a cup of tea and said ' You saw me on Monday and put me on anti-biotics for the kidney infection'. He put his hand to his forehead and said 'I forgot that'. I said yes you have and you probably did not look at the computer and see when I was last in. He had done exactly that.

Yes the CRP was sky high because 'something else' was going on.

My GP was brilliant, he retired early, I miss him.

[Js94947]

In August 2016 I was off pregnosone after 1.5 years for PMR. I stayed at 2.0 inflam test until 4/29/17 when it skyrocketed to 15. Since then I had a biopsy for GCA and various other rather invasive tests, feeling fine, no symptoms at all. No GCA 5/29/17 I was diagnosed with a-fib and of course. My inflamation rate is now at 9. Still feeling fine, have knee issues and slight anemia. My inflamation rate is taken every 2weeks. Go figure, would appreciate any input. I am 75 years old.