Can anyone help me interpret these reading of my Serum C reactive protein level?

[Suzy61Taylor]

Value 0.40mg/L ( my reading ) If I read the print out correctly!

Range U 0 - 5

My doc says I am showing an auto immune problem but surely this is in range. I was diagnosed with Primary Hypothyroidism a few months ago.

[Hidden]

It seems to vary as to whether there is generally absolutely no CRP, or possibly a little of it, in the blood of someone without inflammation ; so it's not clear therefore, whether a low reading is normal/healthy, or indicative of some degree of inflammation. The higher the level though, the greater the inflammation. It's not a specific test, it just shows there's something going on, but not where or what. So your level of 0.40 within the range 0.00-5.00 could lead your GP to suspect inflammation.

[Suzy61Taylor in reply to Hidden]

We have a son with Crohn's and I have a sister with RA - so we could have a history of autoimmune problems. Thanks for the information.

[Marz in reply to Suzy61Taylor]

Does your son take VitD ? There is an interesting article on vitamindcouncil.org about Crohns and VitD. I was diagnosed over 40 years ago and now take 10,000 IU's. I also live in Crete so have plenty of natural sunlight. More difficult after 50 for the UVB rays to be synthesised in the skin to make D I have read ......and yes I have Hashi's too..

[Suzy61Taylor in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response Hypnoteq. I'm soon to have a Short Synacthen test for Adisson's. At present I'm finding that one test seems to trigger another, and it confuses my GP even more. I'm gluten fee and avoid processed foods at all times. My dose of Levo (75 mcgs) makes me feel worse and I have been taking it for a few months now. I feel as if I'm smack bang into the menopause again and twice as bad as when I did go through it. I thought those days of fluctuating mood swings, hot flushes etc had passed me by.

[Suzy61Taylor in reply to Hidden]

I've been decreasing my Levo because of my symptoms. I've been thinking of switching to NDT. Do you have any thoughts on NDT. I am a little bit nervous of muddying the water with yet another change of direction. I am just not confident that my GP and the Endo that I saw last month are talking sense. My endo suggested taking a Serotonin medication for a few months (in other words Prozac). I truly believe he thinks that most of this is in my head, despite blood results. Is NDT the way ahead? There is such conflicting evidence on NDT. Also don't want to throw my money away as its not going to be cheap! Your thoughts????

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Suzy61Taylor]

There's no real scientific evidence that Anti-depressants work better than a placebo, but there are definite reports of nasty side effects, including an increased risk of suicide - avoid. Ask for the results of the blood test that shows you are serotonin-deficient

The NHS loves test, but hates action.

T3 is a natural anti-depressant. Meditation can also help with many physical symptoms.

[Hidden in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

I discovered this morning that my last Endo recommended to my GP that I be sent for a Psych referral, because I had been upset when he said it was pointless seeing him again as he couldn't help me become symptom-free ..... My GP had ignored the suggestion.

[HarryE in reply to Hidden]

What a nerve!! And why wouldn't you be upset, if you were ill & he wouldn't do anything to help you feel better!

[Suzy61Taylor in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Thanks Angel of the North. I find getting out in the fresh air is as good as any depressant. Not that I've been on anything, but I'm a great one for exercise and sunshine.

[Hidden in reply to Suzy61Taylor]

Good luck with your SS test. Let's us know how that pans out.

Regarding NDT, I feel so lucky to have found this forum because it has opened doors, and provided options. So I have bought many books to read the detail behind what the knowledgable people here have written about, and for me the choices seem to be: buying more T3 than am prescribed in order to reduce the proportion of T4 to T3, as Shaws mentioned; going the solely T3 route as written in Recovering With T3; or buying NDT and ditching the synthetic T3/4 that I have on prescription. Against my conscience as a non-meat eater, I've decided on the NDT option and ordered my first batch yesterday - my GP refused to prescribed it this morning. I've not eaten meat for 44 yrs and have a real struggle with the idea of taking something that an animal has been killed to provide for me, but it's where I'm at ... So that's my journey to NDT, but we are all different.

[Suzy61Taylor in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hypnoteq. Just come in from my GP and I have tested positive for ANA with a homogeneous pattern, which confirms some sort of autoimmune problem. My endo as I explained doesn't want me to take T3 as yet because of heart surgery but he hasn't ruled it out once I'm healed from my op. Please tell me which NDT are you going for? Is this a PM or are we public? I wonder if you can PM me and let me know how you set about finding the 'right' suppliers if you would't mind doing so. Many thanks x

[Hidden in reply to Suzy61Taylor]

I need to google ANA now as am not familiar with it! I'm sorry you have tested positive for it Suzy61, but it shows your GP is on the ball.

Perhaps serum CRP is something to be raised again with your GP Clutter?

I will PM you re NDT Suzy61.

[HarryE in reply to Suzy61Taylor]

Suzy, I am no great expert on it, but LDN (low dose naltrexone) is being used to combat autoimmune diseases. You might like to research it.

[Suzy61Taylor in reply to HarryE]

More research - thanks Harry E. I will give it some time. My GP will have a heart attack all of her own if I demand something else, or is it OTC medication?

[HarryE in reply to Suzy61Taylor]

Well if she does, be sure to tell her that it's all in her head

LDN is prescription, but unlicenced in low dose form. But you can get it prescribed from other than your GP.

[HarryE in reply to Hidden]

Maybe you can console yourself that the animals were killed for meat for us meat eaters, rather than directly for you? Either way, I hope it helps, it has worked for me!

[Hidden in reply to HarryE]

Thank you for that HarryE. I'm definitely struggling with the feeling that it's all very well being a non-meat eater but when the chips are down what's happened to my principles.

[HarryE in reply to Hidden]

I'm afraid your health must take priority over your principles. I'm sure it's not always an easy decision though x

[Hidden in reply to HarryE]

x

[Clutter]

Endo told me my CRP of 2 was normal. Having said that, he was content that my FT3 was below range and said come back in 6 months.

[Hidden]

I suppose GPs vary in being either gung ho about things, or being overly cautious, as much as the rest of us.

One of my sons also has Crohns, and both of them have an X-chromosome related metabolic disorder. So it looks like the sins of the mother ...... in my case

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My CRP is high at 10, it got flagged but my GP seems oblivious to what it means