raised Inflammation markers, pain not typical

[Evercurious]

After 5 years on prednisone I am down to 1 mg. Have been on Celebrex for arthritis pain, but concerned about heart health I’ve stopped taking it. I am now experiencing general pain and discomfort, not in the typical areas I first experienced when diagnosed with PMR. Have taken ibuprofen which while not taking the pain away seems to make it easier to move. My recent blood tests indicate high inflammation markers.

My question to you learned and experienced folk is could arthritis cause the markers to be high? I have no other ailments at this time.

Also stopped taking pantaprazole .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends what sort of arthritis - osteoarthritis can raise markers a bit but rarely very much. How high are they? Have you not even had a cold recently? And just because it doesn't feel like PMR did originally doesn't mean it isn't PMR having a little flare.

[Evercurious in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRPro. No cold for five years😊.

It is osteoarthritis.

Highest they’ve ever been for me.

Guess I will try a wee boost in my pred to see if that helps. Was so happy to be down, but as you say, low dose doesn’t matter if it’s not helping .

Would Celebrex use effect the markers?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Evercurious]

It probably would reduce them - it is a fairly powerful antiinflammatory.

[Evercurious]

Thanks - which is worse - taking Celebrex or increasing prednisone? Sorry, unanswerable I suppose.

[kp60]

I'd love to know the answer to that question too!

[Fries]

On another occasion at A&E - I had very raised inflammation marks (85, 77 when I was first diagnosed!!). They could not find anything else. I had blood test, kidney area scans (haven't got the results yet as they take 5 weeks). They prescribed a week's course of antibiotics to be on the safe side. In case there was an infection somewhere in my body. After a week I felt better and the marker reading has come down. I don't know what it is until I see the doctor. I have so much going on at the moment. Just returned from a few days away.

I would suggest you have blood tests to see if there is an infection, and/or repeat inflammation markers. BEFORE increasing your steroids.

I hope this is helpful.

[Evercurious in reply to Fries]

Thanks for relating your experience. I will keep an eye on things, have a standing order for blood tests so may just repeat in a bit.