Hello, here are two queries:
In my blood test on 7 Oct CRP was 2, having been 1 or less in every test since started pred in March 2021. It is well within normal range but is there any significance in it going up? ESR remains very low.
(As I have posted recently, I have been struggling and have now bitten the bullet to arrange rheumy appt.)
Also, does anyone have any experience of private blood test firms? Does anyone know a good one?
Thank you for your help!
Hello Viveka
There is very little if any significance at all in your CRP going from 1 to 2 - my CRP is generally around 7 with a point up or down either side, if l’m having a flare it will go up into the high 20’s
It would not be worth paying to have that repeated in my opinion. CRP’s can go extremely high into the 100’s if you have an infection so it’s really nothing to be concerned about.
You have done the right thing to make an appointment to explain how you are feeling, what dose of Pred are you on?
Hi MrsN, thanks for this.
The symptoms started 2 weeks after going down to 4mg. They got better for a few days but seem to have set in.
The complicating factor is that when this happened last November on 6mg, post vaccine, I went up to 30 under private rheumy and symptoms did not abate. He thinks it was a flare but that also the pred started mimicing symptoms. In January I was called in for NHS post covid catch up with two locum consultants (administrative error but I kept both appointments to see what they would say) and both were adamant they were not GCA symptoms. One was dismissive. One was very kind and thorough and went through them in detail. I checked on forum and DL thought some were classic, some weren't. One of the main things the consultant didn't think was GCA was that on many days I felt extremely ill - achey, shakey, exhausted like flu without sniffles - this started when I went up to 10 so wasn't adrenals.
The symptoms are clearer this time in that I get regular stinging ache in L temporal angle which spreads across my hairline. Plus, as last time, a host of other stabs and tingles that come and go around the crown and the ears. However, in myself I feel a bit wobbly but not particularly ill. NHS folks are extremely reluctant to acknowledge a flare without bloods confirmation so I am not contacting them until I have spoken with private rheumy.
Long story so I will continue with answer to Pro... Thanks again.
I don't think the CRP is anything to worry about now, I imagine that is probably within the usual limits for the test - but I'm sure you will have it done again to see if there is a rising trend. I have no idea about private labs in the UK though. There is no reason why you can't ask your GP practice to check it in a month or 2 though. All you have to do is mention you have some aches ...
Thanks, Pro. I will get GP to check early Nov - she is great and will authorise it but it is such a faff so it would be easier to do it with one of the private firms if they are any good. I have to do a 50 min round trip to surgery to make it happen and she is only available on 2 days a week. And yesterday I got a call to say the bloods were authorised when I had them taken ten days ago. Mustn't grumble though, it is a great practice compared to others I hear about.
As we discussed last week, what could it be other than a flare? But then again I am pretty sure RH told me he would expect changes in bloods for significant flares, hence my question. Talking to him on Monday. ..
Mmmm - but although from 1 to 2 is a doubling - would you have worried if it had been from 5 to 6?
Not sure what you mean. I wouldn't have worried about 1 to 2 had it not been for symptoms cause I understand there can be natural variation. It's still low but I think if it continues to rise, even within the normal range of 1-4 (or some people say 1-10?) it would be significant??
I suppose I'm thinking with my technologist head on - it is within normal variation. It isn't until you can see a more obvious increase that you can be sure. But when there are symptoms it does change a bit - although you DO have to persuade doctors about "just" symptoms.
I have used Medicheck for private blood checks. my.medichecks.com/ . The nurse came to me. Very efficient and helpful. I also have used a place in London near Harley Street, which I would not recommend. Loads of people waiting in uncomfortable very low sofas and pricey. I also saw a private GP for a PRP injection and he threw in a blood test I asked for, for free.
Thanks Piglette, good to know.
I used Thriva a few times. They have a limited number of tests on offer, but they do have a CRP one. The results were similar to the ones I was getting via my GP, so I suspect they are a perfectly professional outfit. It's a simple test, but as you do it yourself (a finger prick), it's not for the squeamish (or for people who have issues with clotting).
Thank you, I was thinking of Thriva, I like their video best. I'm quite looking forward to trying the test - being a bit ghoulish.
😂I found it quite hard the first time but doing what they suggested (keeping your hand in warm water for a few minutes and jumping around a bit prior to taking the test) really helped. I use it when I want to check my HbA1c and occasionally my CRP and D3 levels. These tests are affordable and extremely convenient. They may try to sell you their vitamins afterwards, but they are not pushy and you can ignore them.
Can't hurt more than some of the blood nurses I've had. 😜
Good morning Viveka: My sed rate is now normal but my crp is typically around 40 down from 100s when first diagnosed, any headaches, blurry vision or jaw pain with your other symptoms? I am very nervous about GCA the odds are against it but that’s how my luck runs lol..
Thanks, Myfoe - that was a big CRP rate, hope you feel much better now. Yes the worst possibility of GCA is always a worry. I've been battling these set backs on and off for the last 18 months so I am familiar with the symptoms and I watch out for anything new. Looked at your bio, hope your healthy eating is going well, I did that last year and felt fantastic, but when I got a flare last November, I got a bit low and started on the sugar again. Trying to build the enthusiasm to go again...
GCA symptoms normal CRP
CRP and ESR Blood Tests
What is a normal CRP level?
Blood tests reveal high ESR whilst CRP in normal range
CRP/ESR and calcium levels
