Blood test

[rustyrussell]

My work wont let me back till i have had a Blood test including blood count. I've had blood test before about my PMR but work Occupational health are saying the blood test is for to see how my immune system is working. How can they tell how it is? The last test I had about a month ago came all good but i still have to take my tablets 11mg a day. Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Looking for a good healthy white cell count I imagine. Unless they are also doing additional tests for antibodies to the jab.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean though - you don't just stop taking pred because your blood tests look good. You still have to taper the pred dose to zero, 1mg a month at most and there's many a slip between cup and lip ...

[rustyrussell in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so if i tell them i had test last month and all good do you think they would accept that. Yes they i don't want them to think if inflammation are normal what they are that all is good with my immune system

[123-go in reply to rustyrussell]

Your workplace should be aware that blood markers within the 'normal' range doesn't mean that you are cured (there is no cure for PMR) but that the steroids are doing their job and keeping on top of the inflammation in your body. As PMRpro says, you must not stop taking Prednisolone because of normal blood tests but taper slowly and carefully to avoid a flare/relapse and so that you are gradually eased into remission.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to rustyrussell]

Good blood tests don't mean your PMR is gone - your immune system is still not right and is unlikely to be for a while. They are unlikely to accept your word either.

[rustyrussell in reply to PMRpro]

yes thank you for that what's what I'm going to tell them

[piglette]

I should tell them you had a blood test last month. You can get the test results you had from your doctor and then ask them if they were looking for any other tests?