High crp

[Helliwelli12]

Hi just had my blood test results my crp is 137 the highest its been. I'm down to 2 mg of prednisolone now but it looks like I maybe upping my dose. Has anyone else been at this high level? Going to doctors next week to discuss results. Any advise out there?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You did mention in last post that you had return of GCA symptoms plus some other issues… is that why bloods were tested?

At only a year on Pred and down to 2mg (although you said 1mg in previous post) very likely your GCA is flaring.

CRP is high, it might be down to GCA alone , but there may be something else going on as well. So expect a return to higher doses for a start, with maybe more investigation.

Please let us know after your appointment.

[Helliwelli12 in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi, I had severe abdominal pains last week and have been experiencing diahrea for a few weeks so having stool test too. I was put on antibiotics which seems yo have helped but also taken off metformin temporarily. Yes was on 1 mg of prednisolone but went back up to 2 on Dr advise. Waiting to see the Dr next week now so will let you know after that.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Helliwelli12]

Okay.. thanks for update. Would say that CRP might be raised due to other issues as well as GCA. Hope you are feeling better…

[Sophiestree in reply to Helliwelli12]

One of my symptoms of LVV pre diagnosis was severe stomach pains. As soon as I started the pred they subsided but are a sign for me of possible flares

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I was about to say that without symptoms of PMR/GCA, a single raised CRP should never result in a kneejerk increase in pred but the test should be repeated a week later to see if there is a rising trend. Having seen the rest of your replies now - it is very possible the raised CRP could have other causes.

However - you say you have had loose stools for a few weeks. Both that and abdominal pain can be signs of adrenal insufficiency - after a year on pred, starting with GCA doses, your adrenal function will have been suppressed and needs to wake up again now you are at a low dose of pred. That requires a much slower rate of taper than it sounds as if you have been able to maintain thus far.

[Merryfield]

That is a very high sed rate. when I was first diagnosed, mine was 128. My doc at the time immediately put me on 30 mgs of prednisone (switched. to prednisolone later)