High inflammation

[Nippersmum]

I’ve been caring for my husband for months with things becoming progressively difficult. Fortunately he now has personal medical care.

Since Christmas my stress levels have gone into overdrive. Since new year I have been totally exhausted and sick most days, though I’m not eating a lot. Any day to day pressure feels like a crisis.

Husband’s nurses sent Dr round to see me on Monday, had blood tests yesterday.

CRP 29.5; ASAT 70; GGT 800; ferritin 788; CST 14%;

Hoping to hear from Dr soon, but what should I expect?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not sure what dose you are on -but sounds as if adrenals are really struggling. So a small increase of Pred may help them-but only a small increase.. they need to be nudged into working . Cortisol test might be useful.

CRP is very high - so that requires more investigation-whether it’s your PMR or something else remains to be seen.

[Nippersmum in reply to DorsetLady]

Sorry, meant to say currently on 7mg.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nippersmum]

Well that around the time your adrenals need to think about waking up- so perhaps have a look at this -what you describe is typical if them struggling -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

No point in requesting cortisol test yet….

Have you had a virus or minor accident to account for raised CRP? Any general PMR symptoms to indicate a flare?

[Nippersmum]

Just one thing after another gradually building up including husband taken into hospital for a catheter 8pm and a call at 4am to say he was coming home which after the initial shock meant 3rd bed change of the day. Felt like I plateaued then with nothing else to give.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nippersmum]

Not surprised then really… too much stress.. just make sure all that doesn’t create a flare -have a look at this - and maybe take pre-emptive action - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Forgot to say sorry to hear about your husband…

[Nippersmum]

Thank you. Want to talk with gp too, who is good.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You need to speak to the GP about help for YOU. I cared for my husband for 2 years during Covid and it was horrendous as there was no help available, no care home beds at for respite or anything else. I had to increase my pred dose a lot to be able to cope and was at above 15mg to be able to function, physically and mentally.

If you are broken there is no-one to look after your husband so ask firmly for some practical and emotional help.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Totally agree with PMRpro about getting help for yourself - we've both been in similar situation...

[Nippersmum]

Doctor very firmly told my husband he was there for me when he came on Monday. Good friends are helping with shopping, dog walking etc. Came to the forum where those in the know are so helpful and supportive.

Just need to get the medication sorted out now.

[Koalajane]

just to say that I think you are wonderful x