E.S.R. 44

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi All,

Had blood test on 8th Nov, results:

C.R.P. 5 they tell me this is normal, but E.S.R. was 44, last time it was 15.

I have been on 10 mg since the 6th of Nov & seemed to be doing ok, I do still have back aches, tiredness , but I thought I was improving ,albeit slowly.

Yesterday I managed to walk my dog , further than I have been doing, which made me feel pleased with myself.

Hoping they wont say up the steroids when I see doc this afternoon, I was wondering if the bad chest infection may cause E.S.R.to rise, any ideas?

Thanks for your time.

Amycakes , feeling a bit down now.

2

Hello Amycakes

You're probably right in feeling that the ESR is a little raised still following your chest infection. The CRP result is excellent though and that is often considered by some medics to be the most important of the two tests. I think you have to go by how you are feeling and as you say you have managed to walk further then it does sound as though the inflammation is being controlled by your present dose. Hopefully, having fully recovered from the chest infection and as long as you remain comfortable at 10mg, the next blood test will show a lower ESR. May be a good idea to stay at 10mg for several weeks though, at least until the next blood test. Good luck with your appointment this afternoon and do let us know how you get on.

MrsO

3

Hi Amycakes!

I agree with MrsO - it is quite likely to be the infection, especially as the CRP hasn't changed and is OK. It is meant to be more specific but even it is a bit general in meaning! If you feel OK clinically then they shouldn't get you to increase until after doing another ESR after the infection is gone. I wouldn't drop any further for now - you have that infection and that is taxing your immune system.

Cheer up - it'll be fine! :wink:

Eileen

4

Amycakes

Yup the ESR and the CRP can both rise if anything else is going on, they don't only indicate PMR, that is why they have exclusion tests when first diagnosed.

So sit tight when you are feeling OK and wait - just like Eileen and MrsO has said - always listen to your body - you know how you feel.

5

Well good news , steroids to remain the same, seems doc thinks the chest infection is the cause, having another blood test in 3 weeks.

Whew sighs of relief all round.

Thanks for your input , most helpful & calming when I know you are on the right track as always , you lovely people.

Cheers Amycakes.

p.s. shall stay on 10mg for a while now.

6

Hi Amycakes

Good news indeed - so glad to hear that your Doc agrees with us! :wink: Yes, definitely stay on the 10mg (you've only just reached there after all), see what the next blood tests are like in 3 weeks time and then if all is well you can treat yourself to another reduction! :wink: :D That time interval is in line with the guidelines that recommend a reduction of about 1mg a month when below 10mgs.

Thrilled for you Amycakes. Hope hubby is doing well also.

MrsO

7

Good news Amycakes

I had problems last year with my bloods as I was getting recurring throat infections and the ESR was up each time I ( fingers crossed ) havent had it since possibly March time so hope its disappeared because each time I had it my PMR would get worse

Hope your next reduction goes well

Rosemary

8

Thanks Mrs O,

Hubby improving, blood test showed improvement in Liver function, not quite right yet but much better.

Shall do as you all say & stay on 10mg till blood test , then we shall see, dropping by 1 mg seems the norm I think.

Again thanks for your concern.

Amycakes.

9

Hello Amycakes..... good to hear all going well re hubby and you..... do stay on the 1mg per month reductions...... I have been going down 1mg a month since 20mg and have had no problems whatsoever..... comfortable drops apart from the pred withdrawal symptoms which I have now come to recognise as being that and not the PMR!!

Wishing you well........ :D