confused over test results and my general health.

I have just rejoined. I had PMR from March 2020 and recovered by April 2021. I tapered from 15 mgs of pred to zero over 10 months. ( I accept this is an unusually short period.) 7 months on and only using the odd 200mg of Ibuprofen when I feel soar/stiff I am feeling pretty well. However I do have pain in my fingers most mornings which soon wears off once I get moving. I play golf 3 times a week and garden on the other days. I do appear to be tired after these activities! I was curious to see how my blood was and asked for a Test. I was surprised to receive a call from the GP asking how I was feeling? I said not too bad, he was surprised because my results were showing a greater level of inflammation than when I was originally diagnosed. This is a mystery because I am no way as incapacitated as when originally diagnosed. Originally I couldn't stand up get out bed I was in agony.

My Q is how can my levels be so high and yet I am able to function so well. My GP suggested restarting the steroids which I am reluctant to do. I have a cold which might account for the readings the plan is to test again in 3 weeks and review the position. I wonder if anyone else has any experience like mine or any thoughts. Apart from tiredness and a bit of stiffness I feel OK so why are my results so negative?

[jinasc]

Was it both ESR and CRP results?

[Hidden in reply to jinasc]

yes i didnt have the results when i posted but now have them my CRP is up from 3.3 to 42 ( thats not 4.2) it is 42,My ESR is up from 23 to 86.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Very likely the cold - the so-called blood markers are't markers specific to PMR or GCA but for inflammation somewhere in the body due to something. ESR in particular will rise in response to a LOT of things and CRP will shoot up if you have a chest infection. So he maybe should check for that if he hasn't, can't do it over the phone!

Also. with a history of PMR you are possibly at risk of developing GCA and often GCA patients DON'T have PMR symptoms but do develop high ESR/CRP. Or there is also the possiblity that it wasn't "just" PMR but another inflammatory condition with a polymyalgic presentation. Some forms of inflammatory arthritis can appear like PMR in response to an infection and then resolve when the infection clears. In these sorts of case, a referral to a rheumatologist is advised - they are better able to recognise the other things than a GP and have access to more testing.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

But having seen the figures you quoted to jinasc - someone needs to pay attention because although the cold will raise the levels, those are both very high. They certainly need to be checked regularly to see if there is a trend and in which direction.