Rise in ESR, is it ok?

[Cobalt2sister]

hi. I read here everyday but I have been off prednisone (for GCA) for year and 1/2!!My ESR usually runs in single digits or teens. This reading was 30 which is still just normal but high for me. I don't have any symptoms though. CPR normal. I should say I recently had bronchitis. Could rise be from that or should I be concerned? Am I being unnecessarily cautious about it?

Your input would be appreciated since I know GCA can raise its head again at any time.perhaps! Thanks for being there supporting everyone!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It is most probably as a result of the bronchitis…it rises when your body has to fight any infection.

It be inclined to get it checked again it a few week’s time to see if has returned to within your normal levels… and take it from there.

So long as you don’t feel any of the telltale signs of GCA, just put it down to being something else.

Mine went up when I had it tested [just out of interest] a few months after two separate operations - and ironically same timeframe as you after GCA in remission -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Cobalt2sister in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for rsponding. Encouraging. Sets my mind at ease. I see rheumy next month so can get it tested again. Hope you're well after your operations. Take good care.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Cobalt2sister]

Yes fine thanks… long time ago…

[PMRpro Ambassador]

ESR rises for all sorts of things and the bronchitis could be the reason - though I am a bit surprised the CRP wasn't raised too. But a single raised marker should never result in a kneejerk "add pred" but should be checked again a week or 10 days later to see if there is a rising trend which would suggest something developing - not necessarily GCA though - that needs investigating.

[Cobalt2sister in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for responding. Yes, I was suspicious bronchitis might be responsible but guess needed to be reassured. I do see rheumy next month. Will be tested again. All the best.