What are normal levels for CRP?
Posted , 10 users are following.
I have been reducing pred slowly since diagnosis of PMR in May 2018, from 30mg now down to 5, with only one flare when I tried to do a monthly reduction of 1mg when I got below 10mg (ie more than 10% of total). Other that that I have been using DSNS method and most recently over 7weeks ie 6 to 5mg. A recent blood test showed CRP at 8.4, up from 3.5 in February which was the last check. Is this still ok? Rheumy suggests I stay on this until checked again which will be October (my GP doesn't do regular checks, but maybe that's because I am managing myself and don't go and ask. I have some hand stiffness in the mornings but don't think its a flare; more just being 61 and an active physio who uses hands a lot. I do weights resistance in the gym 3 times a week and golf twice a week. I would like to continue reducing with the DSNS method but this would mean I would be on 4mg when they check me again.
So my question is, is the 8,4 a worrying sign or not if I feel ok?
Thanks everyone, this forum is so helpful 😃
0 likes, 6 replies
EileenH karenfizz
Posted
No, it isn't really OK but also not worrying yet! A single raised CRP without any symptoms shouldn't trigger a kneejerk increase in pred dose but it SHOULD trigger a repeat blood test in a week or two to see if there is a rising trend. Lots of things may raise the CRP - chest infections above all - but most of the reasons would be short lived. If it continues to show a rising trend, then it is time to think about a bit more pred. And in the meantime I wouldn't reduce any more - it isn;t the end of the world, one very good PMR rheumy keeps his patients at 5mg for up to 9 months and finds it helps the onward downward journey. It also lets the adrenal glands catch their breath.
karenfizz EileenH
Posted
Thanks for that Eileen; I also wonder if it's not helpful when at low levels of pred to take a split dose, which I have always done (now on 1mg at night and 4mg in morning). Will this mean it takes longer for my adrenals to wake up so would I be better taking it all in the morning (I'm retiring from physio so less imperative now to have hands working early on).
Anhaga karenfizz
Posted
I haven't ever split my dose but I have read frequently that when you get down to the lower levels it is a good idea to take the whole dose in the morning. You are at a level where the adrenals should be contributing so now is a good time to try it. Start by taking your usual 1 mg at night, then 5 the next morning. Good Luck!
EileenH karenfizz
Posted
I really doubt that 1mg at night will have any real effect on your adrenal function. If it works for you otherwise - I'd continue.
ptolemy karenfizz
Posted
I was told it is how you feel that is important. If you feel fine don't worry, if you feel rough the blood test backs up all is not well. As someone who is pleased if their CRP gets down to 20 I would not worry if you feel fine, it is not a very high CRP. It can go up for other reasons such as a cold or even a bang on something, mine went up to 415 after my hip operation.
Michdonn karenfizz
Posted
Karenfizz, I split my dose from 30 mg down to when I started on 5 mg since then all after breakfast. I did have a flare in the first of February that set me back. Plus my adrenal glands did seem a bit slow waking up. Now stabilizing on 3mg before tapering to 2.5 using DSNS. Good on the rest of your PMR journey. 🙂