Best Ever News

[Jampad]

I just got the results of my latest blood tests. When I was diagnosed with GCA my CRP level was 156. Today it is 6. I`m absolutely over the moon and wanted to share the news with people who understand. I have tapered down to 25 mg and will go to 20 next week. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

That really is great - and it is such a boost when you see things are going the right way.

But it is qualified joy: they are low because you are on enough pred to keep them low. It doesn't mean the disease is in total remission yet but you are doing really well to be at 25mg.

Onwards and downwards with the pred - you will get there.

[Yellowbluebell]

Congratulations 🥳 just keep it slow and steadyxYBB

[Blearyeyed]

Even with the Polywobbles I'm jumping over the Moon with you , hugs xxx

[Hidden]

Great. So far so good. Softly softly catchy🐒.

[SheffieldJane]

This is good news, thank you sharing. Watch reoccurring symptoms though. Symptoms rule in these diseases.

[Brantuk]

Congratulations! I remember that feeling of elation very well when my CRP dropped from 146 to under 10 and stayed steady at 5 for 3mths. It was huge relief that the illness was under control at last, and a very nice feeling indeed. All the best to you.

[Hidden]

Congratulations!!!!! Good job you!

[Jackoh]

Good news that helps us psychologically as well as physically. Take it steady though.

[tomh]

I've had GCA for 7 years, and have been living in Brasil for the last 5 years. I'm 73. When I hear of your 156 CRP number, I cant remember the units used in UK, Is it mg/ltr? This makes more sense to me, since that would mean 15.6mg/dltr, which is the normal presenting mode in Brasil. I've had 2 bouts of Pneumonia the past 2 years, and on both occasions my CPR was elevated above 25mg/dL. ( recommended here is <0.5)I was diagnosed with OA in the left hip 2 months ago, and am having a Total Hip Replacement first week in New Year. The pain is unbearable in the hip, and almost impossible to walk, with the pain also in the upper front high, groin, knee, shin (acute) and ankle. Obviously, I'm hoping all these pain centres will disappear following THR. Paracetamol has no effect. At mo. my CRP is 5.5mg/dL and VHS is 44. I'm on 7.5mg/d of pred. I've had 4 relapses since outbreak, once when on 1mg/d . When I see elevated levels now, I assume these are caused by inflammation due to other health problems. I have a Rheummy GP here, who I believe is not to the standards I received at Bristol Eye Hospital. I very much hope that if there was a danger that my eyes might be at risk, that I would get the same symptoms as I did pre-diagnosis. constant dull headache, and tingly scalp, Only symptoms. It took 10 weeks in UK to diagnose, and that was only after 2 lumps appeared on my temple. which was obviously the arteries swelling. So close to going blind. Sorry for length, but any comment appreciated from this knowledgeable forum.

[HeronNS in reply to tomh]

I'm glad to hear your eyesight was saved, and good luck with the hip replacement, hope it heals all those pains.