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CRP and ESR normal, but still stiffness

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murray2
murray2

Hi, I've been diagnosed with PMR and later on with rheumatoid arthritis, affecting hands, wrists, feet and thighs. I have been seeing a rheumatologist and doing things on my own behalf like changeing my diet. The blood tests for the past 2 months have shown ESR and CRP markers as normal. I am taking 15mg methotrexate and 4mg prednisone. Even though the markers are normal I still get tenderness, stiffness and some pain when bending fingers and putting weight on my wrists. Why is this so?

Do the blood markers only elevate at a higher level of inflammation? Or is the medication suppressing the blood markers? Or is there another answer. Any thoughts appreciated.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Debra1954
    Debra1954 murray2

    Posted

    Hi, I just found your question interesting because I have just had my blood test results back and everything was normal which really suprised me. I'm due to see the RA consultant within the next month or so (I only see him approx once a year, RA nurse in between that) The way I've been feeling the past couple months has been awful (as my previous post) plus more joint pain so was sure the blood tests would show up something...most likely a higher level of inflammation. But nothing. So i think your question will be my next one when I see the RA consultant. Will post on here when I find out.  
  • Light
    Light murray2

    Posted

    As far as I understand, your ESR can elevate as a result of any infection or inflammation whatsoever, not necessarily RA or PMR related. My rheumy glanced at my blood reports the other day and then tossed it aside to ask how I was feeling. He made a point to say it was really much moe important to be able to look at the patient first and foremost, and not get too stuck on the figures in the reports.

    Just to share...

    So your issue really is the pain you're still feeling.

    The only thing I wonder about re this is that 4mg of preds you're taking. If you're still in pain, it's quite likely you need to go higher on this. You could up your dose, get to a comfort level and then creep back down really, really slowly.

    Eileen in this forum knows a great deal about all this and maybe she'll have a lot to share.

    Let's hope so!

     

    • murray2
      murray2 Light

      Posted

      My rheumatologist wants me to increase the dosage of methotrexate slightly to enable me to taper off the prednisone. He says that long term prednisone use poses more serious health risks (like bone thinning) than methotrexate. I want to get off all medications as soon as I can, but it's not easy with rheumatoid arthritis.
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