CRP 24 threatening to defer my surgery

[suzy1959]

My CRP has been quite high over the last few months- it was 30 in November and I felt well but then had a PMR flare, so I thought that was that. Then it was measured at the beginning of January and it was 20. I was puzzled as to why- nothing obvious. I had my pre-op last week and my surgeon has just rung me to say CRP is 24 and he was worried. The only problem/infection I could think of is that I have had a very itchy tummy for a number of weeks. GP gave me steroid cream 10 days ago and it is much better- I suspect a reaction to new sheets (normally I am not sensitive to these things at all). This gave me a slight rash and GP said it looked like dermatitis. Could this have caused a raised CRP?

My surgeon has agreed for me to come in for my knee replacement as planned on Friday and they will check my CRP then just to make sure it hasn't gone up. I don't want to have it postponed.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Oh Suzy sorry to hear that. Do hope op goes ahead on Friday.

[Hidden]

Wishing You All The Best & that your CRP is at an acceptable level so your surgery can go ahead.

Good Luck 🍀

[Jackoh]

Do hope things settle and you’ll be able to have your surgery. Let us know how you get on. Xx

[Blearyeyed]

Oh No , I hope this can go ahead as planned.

There could be various reasons for your increased markers , some skin issues can also increase inflammation markers , but may not prevent your ability to have surgery .

Discuss what you have had thoroughly with them when you get in Pre Surgery . They may just be concerned about the possibility of an infection , and may be able to continue if they believe that you are not at risk of one , or that the inflammation you are experiencing at present may not affect the joint or cause surgery complications.

In the meantime , rest , fluids , TLC today , to prepare yourself to be in the best condition you can be for tomorrow , this will improve your chances. Anything that improves not just your inflammatory markers but also your BP and Heart rate. If you appear calm and are generally well in yourself this will give them more confidence in going ahead.

Good luck , I hope you can go ahead and that things go well xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

found raised inflamamtory levels with chronic urticaria and

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

say something similar. How reliable the source of the second one is is difficult to say but both the papers show systemic inflammation with skin inflammation.

[suzy1959]

Thank you all for your inputs and best wishes. I am still feeling fine and the itching has virtually stopped now so feel confident ( and determined) that I will get my surgery tomorrow!