So I am returning to Canada today and have some doctors appointments tomorrow to follow up on my PMR diagnosis. I am wondering if there is a list of blood tests I should make sure I am getting. ESR and CRP obviously, and I have written down Vitamin D, Calcium (are those testable?) and the blood sugar test (1b.. something?) Are there any others? Just want to make sure my GP ticks all the right boxes since you guys seem to know a lot more about it than he does
Thanks for your help.
Anne.
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BoaterAnnie
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Ferritin and complete blood count are routinely done for me, along with CRP and blood sugar. When I complained of fatigue a couple of months ago she checked a couple of electrolytes (sodium and calcium? don't remember, and I think thyroid). Vitamin D has to be asked for and will only be done once a year where I live (Nova Scotia).
One very important test is for anemia. there is a certain type of anemia that goes with inflammatory disorders. it is called anemia of chronic disease, or non-binding capacity anemia.
With this type of anemia the iron is there, the cells are just too unhealthy to bind the iron and use it. I received two iron infusions and felt a lot better, although getting the SED rate down is the real answer.
I see a lot of complaints of fatigue on this site, and am wondering how much of that may be a low grade anemia that goes with this illness.
Thanks all. My blood sugar is fine, I already had anemia and take iron for that. And there's a dexascan being ordered.
How the blood test turned out is that before I was diagnosed in January my CRP was 29 (should be below 4.8 mg/L). Now, after all the prednisone and currently on 20mg for the past 3.5 weeks, my CRP is 12.7. So I guess that means the pred isn't doing a good enough job? I have another appointment to discuss with my doctor next week.
It's doing its job - but there is a lot to get cleared out. Depends on whether you want the potential problems of high doses or a faster result. But 25mg would be an idea maybe.
Just as others are saying , FBC , or full blood count , if this doesn't include iron as others have said ferritin , iron , folic acid ( just to make sure you are in good health with no anaemia adding to the symptoms) .
The Calcium , vit D , and Blood Sugar test make a good baseline ( or show any lows that might need managing now).
I would also suggest a Full Cholesterol if you haven't had one recently. Again just to check or as a baseline as many people do find their cholesterol rises during PMR , you can take action on it early with diet rather than later and being stuffed on statins.
Hope it goes well , just take your list of what happened since the last visit and any questions you want to ask , write down then tick them off and write some notes as you go , brain fog and nerves makes you forget things otherwise .
If they make suggestions that you want to ask questions about here , just ask if you can go and discuss with your partner or think on it and let them know the next day , don't ever be made to feel you must make a decision on drugs or tests then and there .
If you are planning going travelling again it might be worth telling them and asking if there is anything you can put in place to contact them or make getting help easier while you are away from home . They may know more about what services you can call on for this condition while away in Canada or the US.
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