PMR blood work what are important numbers to look at

[jensen0518]

Diagnosed in December blood work the number that really stood out was the

C reactive protein my number was 128.6 and normal should be less than 8

What numbers should I be looking for and now I am on 30 mg prednisone. To me in seems like my numbers would be all out of whack because of prednisone. If the

C reactive protein is still high does that mean the prednisone is not working?

Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,,

Your blood markers should be decreasing - that shows the inflammation is more under control, but unfortunately it’s not always as simple as that, other things can affect CRP, and ESR in particular.

Just so long as they are reducing, and you have no return of symptoms be content.

[Hidden]

Hi Jenson

Nice impressive CRP - as DL says it should come down but can be affected by other things such as an infection.

Generally we are symptom led as many people (20%) do not have raised markers to begin with.

Best Wishes

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Just that they are falling really - it may take a few months for the CRP to fall if there is a lot of bursitis in particular. The pred shouldn't make much difference to blood tests othewise - except both CRP and ESR should fall significantly and white blood cells will increase.