Blood test results

[Flivoless]

Finally managed to get a copy of my latest BT results, which included previous results and actually spoke to my Rheumy but, unfortunately, before I had the copy. ESR is showing 9 (down from H49) and CRP 1 (down from H21). She was quite happy but was, once again, really pushing MTX, citing Covid risk amongst other things. Whilst I can understand much of the results, I am at a loss to understand what the * means against some of the results (merely a symbol for the words; perhaps, maybe and the like?) and the "H" in brackets on the ESR and CRP on the previous tests. I remain unconvinced about MTX and will continue with Pred - I have reduced from 20 to 18 over the past two days with no problem - so far.

[MrsNails]

Maybe ‘H’ meaning High?

* can be to draw attention to the result ie High or Low

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Understanding our own Blood Test Results isn’t always easy as often they don’t stand in isolation other factors have to be taken into consideration.

For Info - l started Methotrexate at 18mg & tapered month on month down to 7.5mg without an issue.

I am currently tapering from 15mg now at 10mg again with Methotrexate month on month.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

On reports from our local hospital an asterix denotes a result that is outside normal range, I suspect more than certain amount so should be taken note of. But every lab is different.

Personally I wouldn't want to add another immunsuppressant to the mix, particularly as it is not reliable in PMR, and MTX is an immunosuppressant so I really would want to hear her logic there.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ditto to PMRPro’s comments!

[MrsNails]

Sorry, l also meant to add that Methotrexate is much more of an immunosuppressant than Prednisolone, l have regular blood tests & my White Blood Cell Count is always measured. I have always been cautious of people with Coughs n Colds pre Covid as a simple cold, cold or flu can be very serious for anyone on a drug like MTX.

[Flivoless in reply to MrsNails]

Hmm. I have 8 lovely Grandchildren who all seem to like passing their Colds on to me!

[MrsNails in reply to Flivoless]

Unfortunately that’s what they do! 🤧 My Grandaughter goes to Nursery in September so that will affect me more & unfortunately l will have some tough decisions to make……

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Flivoless]

Walking petri dishes, but adorable. Make them wash their hands and faces (you too) before they get close, and now, with Delta, face masks are mandatory again.

I let littles hug me from the waist down while I stand, and pat their heads and bottoms. Like puppies. With the older kids, we butt butts, just don't send the olds flying.

[piglette]

My listing for blood tests has an * if the result is abnormal ie out of the recommended range.

[Flivoless in reply to piglette]

Thanks Piglette

[Flivoless in reply to piglette]

This makes my Vit D a bit too high at 68. Must be my daily latte but I was brought up to "drink a pint of milk a day",

[piglette in reply to Flivoless]

That sounds wrong, 68 should be fine. Milk does not naturally contain vitamin D it has calcium. I am becoming a vitamin nerd since steroids.

[Flivoless in reply to piglette]

Oh, I thought that milk products did contain D

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Flivoless]

Depends on the country - in the USA and I think Canada it is fortified. In Europe that is not allowed.

[piglette in reply to Flivoless]

Only if someone adds to it after it comes out of the cow.

[Flivoless in reply to piglette]

Ah, perhaps it was my milk intake over the years is why I have such massive bones - just one of my femurs would keep a pack of dogs happy for a few months.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Flivoless]

The NHS "normal range" for vit D is NOT the optimal range. Normal ranges are based on the levels found in 95% of the general population. If the general population is deficient that will skew the range.