CRP and ESR blood tests

[sail26]

I am having blood tests for CRP and ESR and forgot to ask the doctor whether I should stop taking the steroids the day before. I am currently on 6 mgs and it's the first blood test I have had for a year. With thanks. Sail 26

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No need to stop meds..any reason why you are having them done now?

[sail26 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for the replies. The last time I had blood tests was before I was diagnosed in 2021 The Dr. Suggested it because I was down to 2mg and my shoulders were painful with a crab,swollen hand so I upped my dose to 6mgs which has sorted the flare. Dr has ordered scans of my shoulders and xray of hand along with the blood tests. It's the first face to face with Dr. since 21 and he seemed to be in touch with pmr.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to sail26]

Glad extra Pred sorted shoulders, but not sure what scans or bloods will prove if it was PMR. Very likely as diagnosed less than 2,years..Hand could also be PMR, but probably best to get that checked as not bilateral…

Please let us know outcome of tests …

[sail26 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorset lady will do

[piglette]

Why did you think you should stop the steroids this time? Was there something different between the blood test this time and your previous ones?

[SheffieldJane]

I never have and I don’t expect them to be an accurate measure of my disease progression, because I am being treated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No need - the idea is to see where you are on that dose. And they don't change that quickly anyway.