ESR risen

[Koalajane]

Just got the result of my latest ESR blood test and it has gone up from 13 to 24. I am going to up my Pred from 4mg to 5mg. When should I get my next blood test.?

I usually have to beg the receptionist for the blood test but hopefully it will be easier when I can tell her I need it checked to make sure it is going down. I wasn’t too surprised as I am aching a fair bit but was shocked that it had gone up that high.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Do you have any other symptoms? If not, could your higher ESR be due to anything else as well - lots if things can affect it - have you had a cold, sore throat, extra stress, or even a bashed toe!

A mg might sort it out - get it tested again in a week or two. Then you can see if it’s stabilised or still on the rise - if the latter you need to speak to doctor.

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks good idea, I had had an injection in each eye a couple of days before the test and have a runny nose so will try and get another blood test in a couple of weeks,

Thanks again

[Q-owl in reply to Koalajane]

Infection?

[Koalajane in reply to Q-owl]

I don’t think I have had an infection although have had a sore toe and also a runny nose

[Casia]

Has your CRP gone up too as it’s not recommended to rely on one test only and CRP seems to be the test that gives a more accurate reading of your current inflammation levels though that may be debatable as it’s not an exact science. My ESR seems to vary quite a bit regardless of how I feel at the time so I personally haven’t increased my dose if my ESR is raised. when I first got diagnosed my ESR was normal but CRP was 78.

[Koalajane in reply to Casia]

They don’t seem to check CRP at my surgery.

I will have another blood test in a couple of weeks I think

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Casia]

Neither is a reliable indicator in the absence of symptoms.

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

Received a letter today to see the doctor re blood results. I don’t feel in more pain than usual although shoulders ached this morning but ache went after Pred kicked in. We will see what the doctor says (if he is knowledgeable about PMR). I have gone up from 4 to 5 .