First blood test : Hi all My Dad’s GP wants to... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,302 members40,389 posts

First blood test

Lindsayf profile image
9 Replies

Hi all

My Dad’s GP wants to test my Dad’s blood each time there is a Pred reduction. He first reduction is 10% for 4 weeks and so on.

Does he take his Pred as normal on the day of his blood test?

Thanks :)

Written by
Lindsayf profile image
Lindsayf
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Hi Lindsay - yes he just takes it as normal - his inflammation markers should be coming down, that doesn’t mean he’s better just the Pred are doing their job.

Lindsayf profile image
Lindsayf in reply toMrsNails

thank you so much :)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

No need to stop Pred.

I always had mine done a few days BEFORE reducing -and provided I felt okay (which is the more important part of the equation) and markers were as well we went ahead with taper.

Blood are not the be all and end all as MrsNails says…symptoms , or rather lack of them are the key.

Lindsayf profile image
Lindsayf in reply toDorsetLady

he is feeling much better now and symptoms have 99% gone :)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toLindsayf

Good, pleased to hear it, but the tricky bit comes now as he reduces -so long as he feels okay each time he’ll be okay. But if in doubt - wait a bit.

How he feels rules the roost, not the calendar…

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Nice to know there are sensible doctors out there!!! Were the levels high at diagnosis? Often helpful to keep a diary of blood results and symptoms or lack of them at the time.

borednow profile image
borednow in reply toPMRpro

Indeed!! I had almost given up hope - well done him (or her).

Lindsayf profile image
Lindsayf in reply toPMRpro

Hi

His results prior to Pred:

serum C reactive protein levels 43mg/L The range is 0.00 - 5.00mg/L

Erythrocyte sedimentation 42mm/h the range is 0.00 - 30.00mm/h

Also the Locum has given him Adcal at 1500mg. Does he need to take a K2 with that? And does he need to take it away from Pred?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toLindsayf

Yes to away from pred - pred for breakfast, calcium for lunch and dinner (in 2 instalments, preferably with some food, you only absorb up to about 500mg at a time and a bit of fat helps). K2 - I've never taken it and my bone density is fine. There are very strong proponents on the forum for it though. I'm more a vit D supporter - I take 4000 IU a day, summer and winter. Without it, my vit D level slowly and steadily slumps into insignificance!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

CORTISOL BLOOD TEST

My Rheumy has instructed me to have a cortisol blood before I take a further reduction in Pred. At...
hwigston profile image

Blood test

Saw my GP the other day. He took blood, well succeeded on the third try, despite the fact that I...
ChrisinNam profile image

Cortisol Test

I am currently on 2.5mg pred, tapering to 2mg using Dead Slow and Stop method. Have been at 2.5mg...
Fifegran profile image

blood test results

Hi PMR people! This site is an amazing source of info - thank you! This is my first post and I’d...
Rebsy profile image

Blood Tests

Hello lovely people I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine. My brother has decided to get on my...
Pippah45 profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.