blood tests

[Excelsior80]

hi, i have been on prednisolone for just over 3 1/2 months, all going well so far, my GP sends a 6 week prescription for each dose reduction and texts to check im still ok a few days afterwards, i just wondered how often blood tests are recommended? I had them before diagnosis and then just after starting treatment but not since, im on 9mg a day at the moment. Thank you 🙂

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Some have them fairly regularly, others don’t. Seems to be more of the latter since Covid…

Some like them for a reference. I had GCA [2012-2106] and initially was tested before every reduction, but once I got to lower doses it was about every 3-4 months.. But different times, and situation.

[Excelsior80 in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you ... i was wondering if i should ask for a check but sounds not unusual to go a few months ....

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A return of symptoms is a far more accurate way of assessing progress (or otherwise). ESR and CRP are very non-specific and only say there is inflammation or infection, not where it is. SO even a cold can send them up. A basic rule is that a single raised value without symptoms shouldn't result in a raising of the pred dose until it has been repeated a week or two later to see if there is a rising trend.

What is probably more important is checking other parameters including Hba1c, renal and liver profiles and a general check, Weight and BP should also be checked, at least 6 monthly, better would be 3 monthly.

[Jigsawlass]

Up until my recent appointment, I was having full bloods done , including Hba1c, renal, liver etc every 3 months . My consultant is happy to go to 6 months now . I take regular BP readings at home.

[Orange_2022]

The GP had me on a monthly one which was supposed to be prior to a reduction of Pred. However after about the fourth one the practice nurse asked the GP if they could be discontinued - I don't think I've ever shown any signs of inflammation. It's over a year now since I had one and I'm left alone by my GP - apart from approval of my online prescription orders. So it may depend on your previous results.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Orange_2022]

Except the point is to see if the current dose is still enough. Or do you mean that you never had raised markers - even pre-diagnosis?

[Orange_2022 in reply to PMRpro]

Original tests by rheumatologist didn't show anything and I assumed GP found nothing as he seemed OK for me to carry on tapering.