Normal CRP but abnormal ESR

[Karendeena]

I have tapered to 1mg prednisolone daily but pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders has increased and I have minimum ability to turn my neck from side to side.

My ESR was 11 in May and 17 in September according to my GP within normal range.

Has my ESR and CRP taken again on Monday and my results show abnormal ESR but normal CRP.I don't know the numbers as my Rheumy's last letter to my GP was to send him the results which she has done (the receptionists can't read/give the results to me). So 17 months in I expect I am going to be told to increase the steroids 😥. My ESR was 67 when first diagnosed.

I am thinking, my brother and I had a bit if a scrap (not proud of it)and he pulled my arms really badly,hurting me, that was Friday and the bloods were taken on Monday. Couldthis have affected my result?Has anyone else had raised ESR and normal CRP?

[piglette]

Well done in getting down so low, it does sound as if you should increase a bit though. If you increase by 5mg for a week or so to knock the PMR in the head and then drop back to just above the 1mg spot say 2mg and see if things improve.

[Karendeena in reply to piglette]

Thanks piglette, felt very upset and disappointed today. Not sure what my Rheumy will say. Last time I had a flare I was increased to 5mg and my ESR markers went back into normal range

[piglette in reply to Karendeena]

The thing is if you increase to 5mg or 6mg you are able to drop back pretty quickly, you don’t have to go through the tapering bit.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It could be the muscle damage - though that would usually affect CRP too. However - my ESR moved around - didn't go out of "normal range" necessarily but my CRP was only once raised - on a day when I had some nasty arrythmia symptoms. They are only a guide and symptoms ALWAYS trump lab results.

At such a low dose it is hardly the end of the world if you were to go back to the previous dose - and slow down your taper to 1mg A LOT. And I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of days at 5mg and back to the previous dose were enough.

Though, to be honest - your brother pulled your arms hard - that would be enough to cause shoulder and neck problems without it being the PMR itself. Our back and shoulder muscles are very delicately poised and it really doesn't take much to upset them and a good wrench on the arms would do it. Try some ordinary pain killers and heat around your neck and shoulders.

[Karendeena in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro I knew I could rely on you for some positive advice

[Louisepenygraig]

I've never had raised CRP only raised

[Karendeena in reply to Louisepenygraig]

Do you mean to add 'only raised ESR'?

[Louisepenygraig]

yes!