Raised CRP ESR

[Alison300356]

Raised CRP and ESR. Blood test last week showed raised ESR 35 CRP 69 I have no pain other than a niggling headache which comes and goes. Doctor sent me for a brain scan neither of us thought it was GCA. Optician appt booked also due to see gp in a week am reluctant to increase pred as not in any pain. Any thoughts?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The correct response to raised markers without symptoms is to repeat them in a week to see if they have started at least to go down. The trend is important. There is one certain fact: you have undiagnosed inflammation SOMEWHERE!

But don't be misled: headache is the presenting symptom in GCA in fewer than half of cases. Don't assume because you don't have a headache that it can't be GCA.

[Alison300356 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro good advice, will take it on board and request another blood test when I see gp next week.

[alvertta in reply to Alison300356]

I had flashing lights in left eye and locked jaw. No headaches.

[EdithWales]

PMROPRO has given you good advice. That CRP alone is much too high.

My inflammatory markers go up and down but I would want them repeated in a week. Something is causing it.

[SheffieldJane]

This weather has made a lot of us feel out of sorts. You maybe incubating a virus, hence the blood test results. I know you will be alert to changes. Good luck!

[Alison300356 in reply to SheffieldJane]

And just today I have a cold sore appear! Could be the problem. Apart from the headache no aches or pains!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Alison300356]

Very likely!