Blood Results

[Blodders2]

Hi All. Just had bloods done after being on prendisolone for 9 weeks,

CRP 13mg/L (range less than 5.0) result classed as "NORMAL".

CRP Was 19 in June. 8 in July "ABNORMAL"

Serum Cortisol Level 197nmol/L no range given is this low?

Serum creatine level 30 U/L (25.0-200.0)

HBA1C 48, it was 43 in May

Waiting for ESR, I am having breathlessness, headache not temporal, legs muscle ache, generally not good, I am now on 10mg of Prednisolone, also I am monitoring bp at home, this week readings 160s/80s pulse 90s, I informed surgery they have prescribed an increase in bp medication. Any input ref results or comments would be much appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If I am reading it correctly - that CRP series doesn't make sense! Or should it be 1.3 - did you miss a decimal point?

The cortisol is not particularly low - the pred is suppressing it to some extent so you expect it to be lower than usual.

The Hba1c reflects your average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months. It has risen from a pre-diabetic level to a just diabetic level I think. It would be a good idea to pay some attention to your diet and cut carbs quite a bit. especially processed carbs, added sugar and root veg and fruit. That alone can be enough to manage pred-induced diabetes. Pred triggers the liver to release spikes of blood glucose from the body stores and that will raise the Hba1c. You can't influence that but you can avoid adding to it with what you eat.

[Blodders2 in reply to PMRpro]

No not missing a decimal point result was CRP 13. Thanks for advice re diet.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blodders2]

So that series doesn't make sense ...

[Blodders2 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm confused, when I was first Diagnosed my CRP Inflammation marker was 19. Next blood test CRP down to 8, this week CRP result 13. Please can you explain why series doesn't make sense. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blodders2]

Because a lower level has been flagged abnormal and the higher one normal!

[Blodders2 in reply to PMRpro]

Sorry I've confused you, those are the results, it seems whoever checks the results and inputs them on to system doesnt really know what is normal or abnormal, when I saw the reading was 13 and they classed it as ok I was gobsmacked to say the least,

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blodders2]

Me too!!!

[piglette]

Who gave you your results? Did they suggest you should go to see your doctor for a check. Did they tell you in May that you were classified as pre diabetic? Looks like the computer has got muddled on status of CRP levels!

[Blodders2 in reply to piglette]

Surgery gave me result. They did advise me about HBA1 in May/June. Thank you

[piglette in reply to Blodders2]

Did they suggest you go to a group class at a pre diabetic clinic that the NHS run?

[Blodders2 in reply to piglette]

Yes.

[piglette in reply to Blodders2]

It sounds like you are in good hands and your medical support is looking after you and they are the people to answer your questions.

[Hidden]

If I am reading your posts correctly the Prednisolone has tipped you from pre diabetic to possibly diabetic. You seem to contine to have symptoms of PM R probably due to a too rapid drop in pred dose: the inflammation load has not been mopped up sufficiently ; this probably explains why your crp has popped back up (crp less helpful once you on Pred anyway). You are also feeling breathless and have a headache. Your thyroid test has come back pretty good, so possibly doesn't explain the the above.

You need to discuss all this with your GP f2f, as advised by folks above.

[Blodders2 in reply to Hidden]

My thoughts too reference too rapid a drop I have today increased back to 15mg from 5mg. The thing I don't understand is why I am having muscle pain and breathlessness even when I was taking 10mg of prednisolone. I have an appointment with my GP on the 13 September.

[Hidden]

The muscle pain was presumably because you were not on enough Pred. Forum gurus may have a view on the best way to deal with this, strong reccomendation to consider their suggestions. As a newbie with other medical issues GP involvement pretty important as well. It is a very inexact science managing PMR. Breathlessness is not a feature of PMR, hence steroid no effect.