Sed rate

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have a PMR  for 2 years and have got my Prednisone down to 6mg per day.  But what is Sed rate which I have read in your forums my doctor has never mentioned this to me.

2

ESR is a blood test for inflammation and is used alongside C reactive protein test to see the level of inflammation

3

Don't think I have been tested for that, I also have Haemochromatosis (to much iron in my blood) which also effects the joints very similar to PMR the only way to reduce it is to take a pint of blood out of me on a regular basis.

thank you for the information.

Dirk

4

Dirk, surely you had a blood test before you started on Pred, otherwise the doctor wouldn't have started you on it.  

5

Probably did have a blood test, at the time,  had that many over the last few years can't remember what I am being tested for. At the time I went on pred. I was in a lot of pain could hardly move. But I can't get below 6mg without going into pain.

6

Hi, Dirk

 I'm sure your doctor did a sed rate (sedimentation rate) and a C-reactive protein blood test. 

 Both of these measure the inflammation in your body. If they're high, it confirms your doctor's diagnosis.

 If you're already taking prednisone, the tests could come back with normal levels even though you're still experiencing symptoms.

 I hope this helped a bit.

You can Google both tests and better understand.

 Kathy

7

Hi Kathy I am sure he did one at the time but it's 2years ago and I don't remember what I do know is I cannot come off pred with out getting pain,

Derek

8

Dirk St.Clare, do you have a blood test before each visit to the doctor?

9

That's not unusual!  I have had PMR for over 5 years and I STILL can't get below 5mg without going into pain.  Many of us get 'stuck' about the 5 or 6 mg.  There is no hurry to reduce - take as much Pred as you need, listen to your body NOT the doctor.

10

Hi, only when I go to the hospital for my Haemochromatosis to have my blood taken out. My doctor says keep taking the pred. If it keeps the pain at bay.

11

Hi, that's what the doctor told me he said is mother was on pred. Most of her life, and she lived until she was 95. Not bad.

I do listen to my body take more pred. When required.

thank you

 

12

Dirk, I believe listening to your body is the KEY. Do not rush, take your time and hopefully you will have a less bumpy journey. Good luck 🙂