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Can anyone help with explaining the different readings between ESR and CRP. For instance my ESR can go down to 34 (ref 1 -35)
from being high at 79 and my CRP is H 38.6 mg/l (ref: 0.0 - 5.0), from being high in the 80's 4 months ago. I realise CRP is inflammation marker. What I am asking, what is the difference between a lower ESR and having a high CRP on same blood test? or what could be the meaning of this?
My Dr could not explain this to me, maybe it makes little difference having one high and one low etc.
Track
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karen81902 track
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EileenH track
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They are both totally non-specific indicators of an inflammatory process going on in the body and actually I'm not surprised your doctor couldn't explain it - I doubt most people could!
ESR is measured by seeing how fast the red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube - sedimentation rate - and it increases because various proteins coat the red blood cells and make them slippier. CRP (C-reactive protein) is one of those proteins the body produces in response to inflammation.
In fact - some people don't get one or the other (or both) increasing even in inflammatory diseases, mine have never budged from "normal range". A normal range of 1-35 is actually a bit old-fashioned, it is now thought that anything above about 20 suggests there is something going on. So if your "personal normal" is in single figures - it may be that 35 is still pretty high for you. Are you PMR symptoms all under control? Which is what is really important.
However - are they absolutely sure about the PMR diagnosis? I saw something recently suggesting a persistently raised CRP can be found in some autoimmune disorder or other - but having said that, I can't remember what it was. Mea culpa...
EileenH
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track EileenH
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My PMR is now quite under control, only very small niggles in my legs and I have so much more energy now. Down to 7mg Pred. with the slowly does it method which has been very successful.
Thank you,
Track
track EileenH
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I am still having abnormal FBC's, seeing Haemotologist in a couple of weeks, this could be interfering as well with CPR results , I am having monthly FBC until I see the Haemotologist.
EileenH track
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What's wrong with the FBCs?
track EileenH
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EileenH track
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track EileenH
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EileenH and Ladies,
I had visit with Haemotologist yesterday very interesting. She wrote down info and said I could pass this on.
"Combination of REACTIVE abnormalities, blood abnormalities discovered 2 years ago when I was very sick with PMR/GCA, inflammation. REACTIVE abnormalities in blood - High Platelets and High White Cells , Platelets gone down as PMR better now but white cells remain up with Prednisone and any sickness. Dr said Platelets do not go up with Prednisone. She does not think she will find a Primary blood/marrow problem but blood abnormality could be in sympathy with inflammation. For completeness has ordered 24 extra blood tests one of them being Genetic blood testing."
I will have results from these blood tests in one half weeks.
My worry is when I posted on this site awhile back, if others had abnormal full blood counts while on Pred. and having PMR, there was no answers. most of my bloods are abnormal and still are - Leucocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, etc....
Will let you know outcome of these extra blood tests.
I am now down to 5.5mg of Prednisone, Haemotologist told me not to go down any further at the moment.
I see Neurologist re TIA April 22nd.
hope you are keeping well. Track
EileenH track
Posted
To know the GP would have to be requesting a full blood count every time they check. But we know that most don't - you are often luck to get an ESR/CRP done!
On the other hand, I do know there are a few people who DO have FBCs done and I have never heard anything more than neutrophils (and total white count) being high - which is usual.
MrsO-UK_Surrey track
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track MrsO-UK_Surrey
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Anhaga track
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track Anhaga
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Anhaga track
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Guest track
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Hi. The way it was explained to me was that the ESR for some, gives a further look into the future compared to CRP. This is helpful if you can't decide whether aches and pains are flares or not, if ESR is falling hopefully they are not !
EileenH Guest
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Guest EileenH
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A good point Eileen ! Maybe better to say that the ESR is more current and CRP takes a bit longer to 'catch up' with state of play ?
EileenH Guest
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Guest EileenH
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As everyone says, we all respond differently but so far my levels seem to follow this pattern. Hope I'm not tempting fate
EileenH Guest
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Guest EileenH
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EileenH Guest
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If they are livable with and don't get WORSE as you reduce it's probably fine. By no means everyone is pain-free - but once things deteriorate on reduction then it is the PMR raising its head. Which you don't want - if it gets out of its cage you have a flare.
Guest EileenH
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track Anhaga
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Thank you for your in-put.
Track (hope I am onto the correct person)
Anhaga track
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I'm afraid it wasn't me. But I do remember reading someone's description of their MRI experience - they said to cover your eyes with a cloth so you wouldn't get the claustrophobia heebeejeebies. Glad you got through your experience all right.
EileenH Anhaga
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I've had a head MRI - apart from being loud I didn't find it a problem. I just closed my eyes before it started...
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