I can't remember inflammation markers CPR and E

[Dee1jay2rac3]

I check back to the site all the time for advice but I don't usually comment. I was in ICU 6 weeks ago with Sepsis I'm doing a lot better now and am going to ring my Dr. Tomorrow as I want to take 10mg instead of 5mg for 4-5 days and then go back down to 5mg. I can't remember the initials of inflammation markers I think it's CPR and letters beginning with E. Can you help me please?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

CRP and ESR

C-Reactive Protein and

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (

Why if you want to go up? Are you having a flare?

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to DorsetLady]

I am pretty sore my lower back etc and I was thinking of the sick day rules x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Okay….sorry to hear that… but if you aren’t flaring just wondering if ordinary painkillers might be better if the pain isn’t caused by PMR [which it my or my not be] or have already tried that? But guess you have to see what GP thinks/says…

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to DorsetLady]

Pain killers and heat pad aren't doing much x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

In that case then perhaps you need to treat as a flare -this includes advice -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to DorsetLady]

Read yr advice. I couldn't remember if it was 4-5 days or 7 days that you could take double steroids and then go back to previous dose but I think maybe I should do 14 days and taper as I don't know if I was getting steroids while in ICU and resus. Thank you very much

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

As you’ve been out of hospital for a while….and are having issues I’d treat it as a flare [SDR are slightly different] - so you can stay on the extra 5mg for up to 14 days [so as you say 10mg] without having to worry about the tapering back down .

I think if I were in your shoes rather than going back down in one step, I’d try stepping down to say 8mg for 5-7 days then to 6mg - always better to be just above previous dose.

When you are sure 6mg is okay, then you can recommence your previous taper as and when you feel it’s right.

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you I'll take your advice 😁

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Treat this as a flare in the first instance - and see how long it takes to improve. You've been through a lot and I'd say a bit more pred won't do you any harm at all.

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. That's how I feel a bit more pred. won't do me any harm 😀

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear you've been ill. Glad things are improving.

But why do you want to take more now? Did they up the pred dose when you were in hospital in line with Sick Day Rules?

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to PMRpro]

No they didn't as I was in recus. and ICU for 2weeks (I'm only guessing as I don't rem.) Then I was in ward In Ulster hosp for another 2 weeks. Apparently I nearly died a few times and they sent me to ward to wake up or die, but I'm a stubborn wee coot it seems and I woke up the first week in ward it was still touch and go. I'm in a wee nursing home for a few weeks respite and because my back is really sore I remembered sick day rules but couldn't remember ESR to ring the Dr tomorrow x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

You were a very lucky bunny! I would hope they noticed but part of the problem could have been you needed more corticosteroid. People who travel via Resus and ICU often don't get a second chance.

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to PMRpro]

I know it definitely feels like a second chance I feel so lucky and intend to make the most of it - slowly of course 😄

[Dee1jay2rac3]

I had Sepsis so I've been very lucky x

[Ineedadog]

I have recently had blood tests for GCA and the two that were raised for me was

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate - Sed Rate

C - reactive Protein test - CRP

Hope this help and best of luck for tomorrow

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to Ineedadog]

Thank you

[agingfeminist]

just want to say..BRAVO! so pleased you out of danger

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to agingfeminist]

Thank you

[Thelmarina]

Welcome back. What a terrifying time you have had! Sending you good wishes and a warm gentle hug 😘

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to Thelmarina]

I'm enjoying your warm and gentle hug

[Thelmarina in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

👍😀

[Karenjaninaz]

What was the cause of the sepsis?

Oftentimes steroids are given IV, in hospital, because of the inflammatory response to the infection.

Your body had a great stress.

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to Karenjaninaz]

I was supposed to have a haemorriodectomy (not spelt right) op. on the Tues after I ended up in A+E. The Haemorrhoids had caused a bowel prolapse front and back. I have bowel incontinence so some faeces had got where it shouldn't be, that's my understanding. Yes very big stress I'm just so grateful to be alive

[Stills in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Just read your experience and just wanted to send good wishes to you

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to Stills]

Thank you

[Lenore58 in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Just reading this string. What a frightful experience. So glad you made it through sepsis and are recovering. Best wishes to you. x

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to Lenore58]

Thank you

[HeronNS]

I hope conversation with Dr went well. Best wishes to you for a good recovery. Do what you need to feel well again. 💗🍀

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to HeronNS]

I tried yesterday but the phone lines closed early (I rang at 9.30am the same has happened today so I will have to ring back at 2pm)

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to HeronNS]

I finally got through to Drs they have agreed to me going up to 10mg for 1-2 weeks, then down to 8mg for 1 week, then down to 6mg then down to 5mg when I'm ready. Dr asked me where I got this taper and I told her PMR/ GCA site that the Dr. had told me about when I first was diagnosed. She said "It sounded safe to her" so thank you Dorset Lady x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Good...

[HeronNS in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Brilliant!

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to HeronNS]

I'm getting home tomorrow yippee I have a Benign Brain tumour which was found in June. The neurologist rang me today and assured me I didn't need any more MRIs as they think I've already had it for 10 years as it's well calcified and it shouldn't give me any trouble ( I had thought I would have 10 years before it would grow big enough to cause any symptoms) so that is brilliant news. I also have a numbness in my face and food doesn't taste right and she says I had Bells Palsy in 2015 and they believe it's from that, like a scar on a nerve, it's so good to finally have an answer. I Told her after having purried food in hosp. Everything now tastes lovely to me lol. Thank you all for listening to me and for all the advice I've been given over the past few days and years since I was recommended PMR/GCA site. I will continue to read posts etc even if I don't post xxx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Dee1jay2rac3]

Just take it easy - being well enough to go home isn't the same as fully recovered! Take some time to get back into the daily routine you haven't had for umpteen weeks!

[Dee1jay2rac3 in reply to PMRpro]

You're right. I say I'm not 100 percent better but I feel 1000 percent better lol. I intend to take things easy for the foreseeable future. I had my first 10 mg of Pred yesterday and my first dry nightdress this morning In quite a while 🤩