Blood tests.

[Dewdrop456]

Just a quick question.Is it necessary to have blood taken for testing if one is feeling fine?Obviously I haven’t had one for quite a few months because of The Virus but I can’t actually remember when I my last one was.

Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not particularly....

it’s just that if you have them done regularly - whether monthly or quarterly you know what is a “normal” reading for you during your illness and medication, and can therefore be aware of any changes.

Some people want to know some don’t.

But as we always says symptoms are the key in all situations.

[Dewdrop456 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the reassurance.I do actually manage by responding to what the dastardly PMR is up to Pred wise.I reduce using DSNS and cut down by a quarter of a milligram each time as I seem to be very sensitive to dose drops.

But lately I’ve heard some things about levels of Calcium ,Vitamin K2 and vitamin D.I take supplements but don’t want to over or under dose.

Thank you .Hope you are feeling well.

[Viv54 in reply to Dewdrop456]

Hi, i think its so important to have a blood test while on Pred. This is my second flare up with PMR ,i went for ages in between it returning and was off Pred all together . But sad to say at both times when i had blood test i had virtually no VIT D in my body . In my opinion the two are linked . Best to be on the safe side . Now back on course of Vit D . Hope this helps .

[Dewdrop456 in reply to Viv54]

Thank you Viv54,best wishes to you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't have many blood tests normally anyway. But since symptoms always trump blood results I doubt it matters much. It is handy to keep an eye on the ESR and CRP when you are reducing but not essential

[Dewdrop456 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro that’s what I thought.

I just slipped in another query when I thanked DorsetLady , about supplement levels.

I hope that you are feeling well too.

[Hollyseden in reply to PMRpro]

When I first started on pred I got regular blood tests but doctor said after 2 years to just be guided by symptoms. Don't think I've ever had specific vit D test though

[MrsNails]

I have monthly blood tests only because l’m on Methotrexate but even they have been extended to two monthly during Covid-19 & anyone very stable on MXT has gone to three monthly with the proviso if you feel unwell to ask for a sooner test.

So if you are fine, that’s good 🌸

[Dewdrop456 in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you Mrs Nails,please see my reply to DorsetLady.

I hope that you are feeling better now.

[MrsNails in reply to Dewdrop456]

Fighting Methotrexate Wipe Out 😞 but apart from that doing OK.

Keep Safe & Well x

[Viv54]

Your welcome😊