Gifford43

Hey! Thanks for telling me to get a CRP-HS test, due to my regular CRP test always coming back "normal". Lucky I had a pre-GCA number to compare to! It's 1.2 and the hs test I just had is 4.1. Above normal, which tells me (I think) why I get my ole jaw claudication/pain when I taper. That helps me explain to docs why I up my pred dose. I won't risk losing sight in my 2nd eye... plain & simple. I have a new and fantastic rheumy! Very happy about that! Next step is the Actemra path. Hope you are doing well too.

[gifford7]

My last CRP-hs was also 1.2mg/L, which is normal for a healthy person. My pred now tapered to 4mg [started at 80mg]. I had to argue with my rheumy to authorize the high sensitivity version of CRP as he said Medicare[US] wouldn't pay for it. Finally he found Medicare pays for the hs cardio version of CRP as I also have arrhythmia.

Actually a CRP as high as 8 or 9mg/L is considered 'normal' for those with AI. The standard CRP test doesn't measure below 2.9. [just says <2.9mg/L]. Good luck with Actemra.