CRP 30

[Plains]

Is it okay to still try to reduce if your CRP is 30 taking 13mg of prednisone. I assume the lower I go the CRP will go up. No body aches right now. Sed rate within normal range.

[winfong]

What're your docs saying?

[Janstr]

Personally, I wouldn’t reduce until the CRP is in the normal range of less than 5.

[Manihiki]

could be another problem or infection also

[LemonZest11]

Interesting. In the early stages of my PMR diagnosis, my CRP and ESR were both really elevated, but I was feeling relatively well. At first my GP wasn't concerned, saying that she would treat the symptoms rather than the bloods. But she soon became concerned and referred me on to a Rheumatologist who was alarmed and ordered a PET scan that showed LVV. That can be dangerous if unchecked. I think you need to check back with you doctor to be sure.

[Plains in reply to LemonZest11]

thank you. I have a check up with my heart doctor next month and will go over everything with him.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Both sed rate and CRP are very non-specific markers of inflammation - yes, there is inflammation, but it can be due to a whole range of factors. not just PMR or GCA. Muscle injury and chest infections will both send the CRP up considerably. Raised levels of both in the absence of symptoms is usually felt to be nothing to worry about although if it persists at a high level. you would hope that the rheumy would investigate to rule out other things as Lemonzest described. Mostly though, the recommendation is to get it checked a week or two later to see if there is a rising trend which might indicate the start of a flare. In some people the markers will start to rise before any symptoms appear. In others they lag behind - there is no general rule.

[Exflex]

My GP says treat the symptoms not the blood results (inflammation markers) and when I mentioned the monthly readings to a rheumatologist (before she discharged me 12 or so months ago) she said the tests should be once a year max. My markers are always high, in the 30’s. It will be interesting to see where they are now (I have the script, refer to the post I made earlier concerning bicep pain if interested).

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exflex]

Once a year is just laziness - 6 monthly is acceptable.

[Gilmor]

Hi, I actually bought some self-tests for CRP some months ago and have checked the results with the actual a couple of times, and sofar they have been ”accurate” - but to what extent I dont know of course since you do not get an actual number. Also, the cut-off is below 10 I think, but might be helpful for detecting higher numbers

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gilmor]

Never come across them before!

[Plains in reply to Gilmor]

what is the name of the test kit if I wanted to order one?

[Gilmor in reply to Plains]

Prima Home Test, I think the webshop is called Healthcare UK or something similar

[Plains in reply to Gilmor]

thank you. I found the site but many reviews were not that good. I will have to think about it.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Plains]

Symptoms are far more reliable! And that is free!

[Gilmor]

Ordered them from the U.K, Prima Home Test. And as I said, they have not been put to the test yet since my readings have been fairly low. But who knows, might be fairly accurate for higher readings

[piglette]

Mine is always very high usually above 30. If I feel OK I just reduce.