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Sed rate

Posted , 8 users are following.

Dirk_St._Clare
Dirk_St._Clare

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.

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • gillian_25383
    gillian_25383 Dirk_St._Clare

    Posted

    ESR is a blood test for inflammation and is used alongside C reactive protein test to see the level of inflammation
    • Dirk_St._Clare
      Dirk_St._Clare gillian_25383

      Posted

      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

  • constance.de
    constance.de Dirk_St._Clare

    Posted

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

    • Dirk_St._Clare
      Dirk_St._Clare constance.de

      Posted

      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.

    • constance.de
      constance.de Dirk_St._Clare

      Posted

      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.

    • Dirk_St._Clare
      Dirk_St._Clare constance.de

      Posted

      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

       

    • Michdonn
      Michdonn Dirk_St._Clare

      Posted

      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 🙂

  • kathy61958
    kathy61958 Dirk_St._Clare

    Posted

    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

    • Dirk_St._Clare
      Dirk_St._Clare kathy61958

      Posted

      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

    • Michdonn
      Michdonn Dirk_St._Clare

      Posted

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

      Posted

      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.
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