Plasma viscosity?

[AnniesRyder5]

Dear forum members

After a month of suffering unpleasant flare up symptoms my GP eventually ordered blood tests for C Reactive protein, plasma viscosity, ANA, ANCA and rheumatoid factor.

I looked up the results on my patient record and saw that plasma viscosity was normal and no further action required.

I’m afraid my lack of medical knowledge leaves me wondering whether my GP will now reduce my Pred from its current 8mg level as a result? Your opinions would be much appreciated.

Regards

Ann

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Obviously no ESR - which I assume you have had before? What was the CRP?

However - there is no literature about how the PV relates to the course of PMR or to a specific patient, it is a relatively newly available test and not universally available. My ESR is almost never out of normal range - possibly my PV isn't either. Because the ESR and CRP can be within normal range in up to 1 in 5 patients and also often lag behind the development of symptoms - symptoms always trump lab results. The same should apply to PV I suspect.

I would be a bit upset if my doctor told me to reduce when I had symptoms ...

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you again I rang the surgery and they told me that more results will be coming in so I will update then

[MrsNails]

That’s just one result in isolation - you really need all the results in & then discuss with your Doctor. I’m pretty certain there’s a Post on FAQ’s that discussed Blood Test Results.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks for that 😊

[MrsNails in reply to AnniesRyder5]

He’s ordered a good battery of Blood Tests & some take longer as they are specialised tests.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to MrsNails]

Ok and thanks