Blood test results

[Lynlea]

Hi all, I had my blood test results back around 4 week ago, esr 19 mm/h, crp 14.3mg/L total white cell count 14.8. neutrophil count 10.2 lymphocyte count 3.9.

I was advised by gp to increase to 5mg prednisolone until I get my appointment with rheumatologist as getting slight symptoms (scalp tenderness). She also seemed a bit concerned about white blood cell results but put it down to being on steroids, just wondering if anyone else has increased white blood cell results.

Many thanks.

[SnazzyD]

Yes, Pred does increase the level of Neutrophils so the doctor needs to decide if the increase is indicative of something else or just the Pred.

[Lynlea in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is quite common - but there are other things besides PMR/GCA that will increase them. How do the figures compare with a) your last test and b) the normal range for each which is usually in brackets just after the result.

[Lynlea in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the reply, previous results from November 2023, Feb 2024.

Total white count 11.6and 12.4

Neutrophils 8.8 and 7.7

Lymphocyte 2.9 for November and Feb.

I was down to 2mg in Feb 2024, I have been back on 5mg for 5 weeks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lynlea]

That suggests to me there is something else - have you had a cold or something? The total white count is slightly high but not the sort of amount you;d worry about without seeing it was steadily climbing - which will be seen if you have regular blood tests.

[Lynlea in reply to PMRpro]

I don’t think I had a virus when bloods taken.I will be having bloods taken again when I get rheumy appointment so will have a look at results.

I hope the weather treating you better in Italy, heavy hail storms and wind here in Manchester.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lynlea]

Just had a summer weekend - 26C even up here in the mountains - but it is all downhill for here for the rest of the week! I just noticed on FB that there have been a couple of occasions in the past where there was a lovely weekend and snow appeared by Wednesday! The temperature is to go back to more like it should be in April, maybe a BIT cool, but the contrast will be dramatic! And possibly heralded by thunderstorms ...

[AtopicGuy]

Well done for filling in your profile, which begins: "I was diagnosed with GCA in June 2022 by my GP due to esr blood results 103 and crp 43.1. I was initially prescribed 40mg prednisolone for 4 weeks." That really puts your current results in context.