Blood test results

[Purplegloss]

I have been experiencing incredible stiffness for a couple of weeks now, and have just got my latest Blood test results back online. CRP 3 months ago was 19 now 37, and ESR was 5 now 9. Note against CRP says to contact GP. I am currently on 3mg having been coming down very slowly at .5mg every 2 months. I don't have what I would call PMR pain, no aches around shoulders, upper arms etc. just this stiffness. Should I go up to 10mg for a few days and then drop back to 4mg? Not sure what to do. Thanks for any help.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Think that is what I would do - I'd certainly stop tapering and probably return to 4mg at the very least. The rising CRP is concerning - if you don't have a cold or other reason for them to go up. Stop tapering and get them checked next week = if they are still up, this really could be a flare due to overshooting the dose you need. Not been under stress or overdoing it lately?

[Purplegloss in reply to PMRpro]

No, I don't have a cold, and feel quite well actually. The only other thing I have had going on for a while is a problem in the sacroiliac area for which I am receiving needling, manipulation, and using ice three times a day, also now using a support belt that has improved things greatly. A couple of months ago I also have now got reduced use in my right leg, which I assume is due to long term steroid use-nearly five years. I have to lift my leg with my hands when I get into my car for instance. No pain in either of my legs though.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplegloss]

Not a possibility of sciatic nerve entrapment? It would go with those low back problems - snap, I have the same problem. I find heat better than ice. Although nothing could beat finally getting to a physio and this one seems pretty good! If only the rehab doctor could have seen past the hip bursitis and not dismissed the rest of the problems This physio thinks it is the hip comes from the back - he though the other way round. Never mind - better late than never.

Incidentally - while checking me over for reduced strength, she identified weakness in my left toe, relevant for L5 region problems, so including the sciatic region. Who knew ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

agree with PMRpro on extra Pred and rechecking bloods…they may be due to a number of things -and just a blip, but best to monitor.

[piglette]

If your doctor wants to see you about the raised CRP I should ask them. Personally I would increase by 5mg for a week or so. Then reduce in a couple of steps to make certain I was feeling OK again.

[Purplegloss in reply to piglette]

Thank you for your replies. I took an extra Pred yesterday making it 4mg instead of 3mg, but this did not make much difference, so I have taken 10mg today, and will do for another few days as well before going back to 4mg one above where I was originally. I am a lot less stiff today, and hopefully even better tomorrow.

[piglette in reply to Purplegloss]

perhaps you have got your answer which is good news. You can drop back to say 5mg with no tapering if you reduce within a week or so. Then see how you feel and drop down again.