Tests

[Blodders2]

How often should you have blood tests to check inflammation levels when tapering? Wishing you all a good evening.

[Sharitone]

Everyone seems to have different frequencies, depending on their medication and the doctor. Mine are every 3 months, but that's mainly for the TCZ.

[Blodders2 in reply to Sharitone]

Thank you.

[Koalajane]

personally I don’t have blood tests as I believe symptoms are more important

[Blodders2 in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you.

[Blodders2 in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you.

[agingfeminist in reply to Koalajane]

my doc also agrees..

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Ideal would be just before you start a new taper - to be sure the last one left you at a high enough pred dose to manage the inflammation. But there is often a lag - as Koalajane says, symptoms rule.

[Blodders2 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you.

[Grammy80]

I echo at least every three months, but would say...if you exhibit any symptoms no matter the disease....get your blood checked, but symptoms still rule the day.💞

[Blodders2 in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you Grammy80. Phew sounds like you have/are going through a lot. Wishing you all the best.

[readingbooks in reply to Grammy80]

Currently every 4 months, but previously it was more often and the interval was increased as I tapered down. Now at Pred 2mg after nearly 7 years. But Symptoms rule !!

[Luciejane]

Hi my answer is based on what works for me. When I was diagnosed with GCA 3 years ago my CRP was 250 and esr 85. I saw a private neurologist as it was covid times and he suggested blood tests every 2 weeks which corresponded to before a taper. The tests picked up when I was beginning to flare quite often so my steroid dose went up and down a lot. It was hard to decipher if the headache was due to the taper or GCA as I've always felt terrible tapering. I agree watching for symptoms is very important. In the last year since being on the DSNS method blood tests became much more infrequent and now I'm trying to taper from 3 to 2.75 and only taking tests depending on how I feel but don't leave it longer than 6 weeks. I've. been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency so that's the new hurdle but I'm very fortunate to have a local GP who offers cheap blood tests so I don't have to always rely on nhs. Good luck with your journey and I wish you well.

[Tiggy70]

Hi, since my PMR diagnosis 4 years ago I have had a monthly blood test to check ESR and CRP as requested by my NHS Rheumatologist. I had an appointment last week with Prof Rod Hughes and he has told me that checking my blood that frequently is a waste of time and adds to my anxiety. He suggests I have an annual check or when I’m having a bad flare.

[Pixix in reply to Tiggy70]

I have mine yearly and see no reason to get them done more often. I was advised that early on in my PMR. In fact I have ended up getting them every six months but due to another medication condition.

[Exflex]

when I was tapering Pred for PMR every 5W I had CRP measured just before, ie every 4W.

[Koalajane]

I have a full blood count every year and kidney function blood test every 6 months but no blood tests for ESR now even though I have been told I can have ESR test whenever I want

[Jigsawlass]

I have full bloods done every 3 months , prior to my appointment with my consultant. Handy to keep an eye on blood glucose , cholesterol etc