CRP ESR RAISED SLIGHTLY

[Reddev]

my thighs and back are very sore and stiff. Had bloods checked in July CRP 3 ESR 25. Doctor has had them checked again end September ( they haven’t got back to me yet) but CRP 9 ESR 42. Do you think this is a flare. I’m currently taking 2.5 mgs prednisolone. Thanking those that reply in advance.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Very probably - if the inflammation markers are rising it could be a flare, especially if you have symptoms. What changes in dose have you had since July before the September bloods?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sounds probable….but but more detailed info would help…

[piglette]

Every now and then my inflammation markers whizz up, but it is not always due to a flare. It can be all sorts of other things too. The real question always is, does it feel like a flare?

[Reddev in reply to piglette]

yes I’m almost sure it could be a flare. Feel very stiff and sore in my thighs and back. Once I’m up and walking it eases a little. My shoulder area is ok. I can lift my arms over my head and even wash my hair 😃

[piglette in reply to Reddev]

What I do is increase my dose by 5mg for a week or so to really get the PMR under control. Then drop back to a bit above the dose I was on when things started to go pear shaped.

[Reddev in reply to piglette]

thank you. I’ll do that in the morning to see if it will give me some relief in a day or two.

[piglette in reply to Reddev]

Good luck.

[Simplewish]

After two and a half years on prednisolone I tapered to 1mg for two months and I now I have finished taking pred for the past two weeks. The rheumatologist said pains that I would normally experience would come back and have they !! For the past few weeks I am in pain with my hips, thighs and knees and can't always sleep for the pain. He said to take paracetamol three times a day but this doesn't make any difference. I've had x rays on my knees and hips but am still waiting for the results. Meanwhile rheumatology have now dismissed me. I'm worried about my mobility as I'm struggling climbing the stairs and if I sit for long I am only just able to walk. I'm sure this can't just be arthritis as it has come on so quickly and flare up hasn't been mentioned, just to go back to my doctor.

[Reddev in reply to Simplewish]

I have been taking 2.5 mgs prednisolone and have stiff and painful hips and thighs. My back and pelvic area seem to spasm. I have increased to 7mgs this morning and will be taking it fir a few days to see if pains improve before going back to 3mgs. Hope it works.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Simplewish]

“For the past few weeks I am in pain with my hips, thighs and knees and can't always sleep for the pain”

..that sounds very PMR like to me -too precise and regular to all be osteoarthritis and if paracetamol does nothing -very suspicious!

Do you have any Pred remaining? If so you may find that just a mg might be enough to get things back under control -leave if much longer and if PMR it will need a higher dose.

You might not think it, but there’s a heck of a lot of difference between 1mg and zero!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Simplewish]

It is not uncommon for patients to be fine on 1mg and think they can stop - but within weeks or up to a few months the PMR symptoms come back in full. It is because the activity of the underlying autoimmune disorder that creates the inflammation that causes the symptoms is very low - even 1/2mg can be enough to stop it building up. At zero pred though, the tiny amount of inflammation that isn't cleared up each day builds up and eventually is enough to cause symptoms again. It is just like a dripping taps eventually fills a bucket and overflows.

If your GP will help - start with a week or so of 5mg and then drop to 2mg to taper slowly towards zero but DON'T stop altogether, stick at one or try 1/2mg for some time. If it works - great.

[Reddev in reply to PMRpro]

I had been in one mg pred and eventually came off it. Three weeks later it came back. If I can get down one I’ll stay there. But even happy with two. I was nearly there. X😔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reddev]

If it is good enough for Prof Dasgupta, a top rheumy in the field in the UK - it should be good enough for anyone. He told us he often keeps patients at 2-3mg longer term as it reduces the risk of relapses.