Please can I have any thoughts on how often you should have your blood tests done with pmr. My last Rheumatologist said monthly at my last appointment in December & I have done so to date and told all normal. My last one was the beginning of April so now due.
I am thinking of leaving it a few weeks as I have just returned from a week away and probably over did things. I am now on 3 mg Pred and feeling ok. I did quite a lot of walking & some gym work while away & now back at work this week. Feel as though I have pushed the boundaries a bit with the exercise and the usual holiday food/drink indulgence. Would delaying the blood test be wise? Did have some minor aches but feel that it was mainly due to the over activity.
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Mitziecat
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I have never had my bloods checked monthly, even when I was part of a research project. They don’t really give a picture of how PMR is when you are on Prednisalone because the inflammation is controlled. General blood tests should be done I guess for blood sugar and nutrient deficiencies, liver function etc every 6 months or so. You sound in fine fettle to me. I am sure delaying won’t do any harm unless something in particular is being monitored. What is concerning you?
Personally, I rarely have blood tests and only then when my blood sugar is under check. If you`ve been over exercising, it`s likely you`ll revert to normal after a week providing you keep to your diet prior to having Holiday. From my own experience, it takes 3 to 4 days to get back to normal.
I have monthly blood tests, however in the 7 months I have been having them I have had 3 extras. I also was diagnosed GCA. I started on high dosage and presently at 12.5. I had extra tests because of the side effects I was suffering.
If your body feels ok I think that is a good indication you could leave it a bit longer.
Thank you. I think how you are feeling is a good indication. My tests seem to be about a week or so after tapering so may extend it as there are some aches at that stage.
I get my tests done every time I see my rheumy which is about every 3 months. She's trying to have me reduce but not if the inflammation is higher than normal. Ask your rheumy why he/she thinks it should be every month. Maybe there's a method to his/her madness?
I believe it's entirely context dependent. If it's "just" PMR/GCA then I would imagine every 3 months appropriate to check hba1c and CRP/esr.
As I have a range of conditions I'm currently having blood tests that seem to occur every couple of weeks then a month without then the cycle starts again. Like others it usually for hba1c but I have full bloods, then I have CRP/esr at rheumy every 2 months. I have dmard every 4 months. Blah blah blah.
If you are on low dose pred I would think the only test you might need us adrenal check IF you have symptoms - fatigue etc. Since you appear to be coping fine then wait until you are not. No point being a pin cushion if you don't have to be. I had two tests within a week and have one booked for 15th. It's a pain. 😜🤑
Every 2 months seem reasonable. I don’t seem to get as much fatigue as I did a few months ago. When I do get it at the moment it is usually after being on the go too much. I have wondered about my adrenal glands but have not asked for a test as ferling reasonably ok. Only day 5 of being on 3 mg and some aches but have been very busy with work and nana duties.
I’m trying to understand the fatigue I’m getting these days. Not terrible, not long, but reliable every day late afternoon. I’m tapering 6-5. Was better at 7. Probably adrenals. Doesn’t feel like PMR, no classical stiffness. At what dose or doses was your fatigue worst? How long did it take to improve to where you are now.?
Initially I had a comprehensive range of tests to point to a diagnosis. Subsequently I had monthly CRP/ESR and arranged for tests prior to GP appointment. This was valuable in my case as my symptoms closely mirror the degree of inflammation denoted by the markers. Now after 6 months I only see Rheumy and he sees me every 2months so I arrange bloods a few days before appointment. He wants to know both symptoms and bloods results. I go to GP reception and get a copy of the results so I know exactly what's going on. I won't be robbed off by receptionists or Drs telling me "your results are ok"!!!!! In the early days I used the numbers help me figure out if niggles were pred dose insufficient or steroid tapering issues. I also find it reassuring to know the levels are normal and what actually is MY normal.
It is a good idea to get copies of the results. I did initially but was not given the result of my test in April. GP always rang if there was a problem. My white cell count was also high initially and was told that it was probably pred and cold related but had to make sure. Wish I knew for sure if aches are tapering or not enough pred. I tend to leave it a week/ 10 days to see if they disappear.
For the first 2 weeks virtually every day (but special circumstances) - after that for about 18months had mine done monthly, after that (with new doctor) every 2 months, then every 3 months.
As we know blood markers usually lag behind symptoms, but as I never had a flare, it was my way of monitoring how things were. And I always asked for the actual numbers - none of this “they are satisfactory” - that’s what got me into trouble in the first place!
It’s a matter of your and doctor preference really.
Yes it probably is a matter of preference. I have received good care so far so have just done as asked as long as I felt ok. To date, any niggles have been probably down to me as I find it hard to relax and take things easy. Will probably check if I need to continue monthly. Thanks for the input.
Forgot to mention it does depend on how you are, if your symptoms are pretty stable and your recent bloods have been within normal range for consecutive testings then usually your Doctor will not request them too often. My bloods are always tested prior to consultations.
I get them yearly for my primary care doctor. Basic panel, cholesterol etc. My rheumatologist originally wanted them every visit (3 months) but after a few appointments has them done every other visit (6 months). Decision made at the appointment based on symptoms. He looks at SED rate and CRP (and that same basic panel) This last time he added some additional ones because of other things going on.
My rheumatologist has never taken a blood test, had PMR for 9 years,just had doctor order a blood test after nearly 2 years to check for diabetes., apparently borderline.
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