Date: 18.07.2011
From: Rachel
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Subject: ESR/CRP?
Hi, I've been on methotrexate since December and i'm currently on 15mg per week. I haven't noticed much difference and in terms of pain & joints affected it is worse than a year ago when I was diagnosed with RA. My GP mentioned that my ESR/CRP has now hit 50 (it was 29 when I was diagnosed). Does anyone know if this is considered high, I get pain daily but don't seem to get swelling. oh and I'm now getting anaemic which they are putting down to the RA. Any thoughts? I should have asked more questions at the GP's. Got to get blood checked again this week.
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Date: 18.07.2011
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
50 is very high , they can put you up to 20mg of methotrexate + there is lot other drugs they can give you to help , hope they can get this under control pretty quick , get your rheumatologist to look at other drugs not sure about the anaemic , hope they can sort itfor you
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Date: 18.07.2011
From: cookie
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
Rachel with an esr like that you would be eligable for ant tnfs mine was 35 at its highest normal i believe is 10 or below x
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Date: 18.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
i agree with the others, I was moved off mtx about 8 months after starting as it wasn't helping. Am on anti tnfs now. I assume you have a rheumatologist....perhaps you need to have a chat with them :)
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Date: 19.07.2011
From: Rachel
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
Hi all, thanks for your replies. My rheumy was being cautious with the meth dose as I had a reaction when I first started on sulphsalazine. I've got to get my blood tested again this week and see GP again and go from there. It had been hovering between 29-39 but has suddenly shot up a bit more. Thanks for your comments.
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Date: 19.07.2011
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
Rachel, my esr is low as I am on steroids but it didn't stop my consultant moving me to anti tnfs. They don't just diagnose on blood results but pain as well.
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Date: 19.07.2011
From: Rachel
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
Thanks, I've had pain daily now for about 18 months and pretty much take my max amount of painkillers daily (co-codamal). I've been getting steroid injections about every 4 months. Would just like to feel semi-normal now and again! I'm working full-time and dealing with daily pain, brain fog from meds is wearing as we all know. I'm not due to see my rheumy until the end of September but I think I will see what my blood results are next week and start getting a bit pushy! Thanks again.
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Date: 19.07.2011
From: mads
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
Rachel, sorry to hear you are in so much pain - its awful. My CRP was 55 about 8 weeks ago its now down to mid 20's. I had two steroid injections but it wasn't until i had a large steroid injection and took off work for a few weeks that it actually settled somewhat and like you the painkillers didn't really make any difference. It was actually someone on this forum who recommended taking off work and said that the steroids worked better if you were resting. It took me a long time to take off I just thought i was giving in to the disease but on reflection i think if i had taken off earlier it may not have reached the levels it did. I sincerely hope that something kicks in soon to relieve the pain a little.
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Date: 19.07.2011
From: mads
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
forgot to say i went on metx as well about 10 weeks ago. Thought the slow release diclofenac was a bit helpful along with co-codamol and tremadol but obviously such a brain fog!
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Date: 20.07.2011
From: Rachel
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Subject: Re: ESR/CRP?
I do tend to find the only thing that does help is rest but its difficult trying to hold down a job etc. I've got a weeks hols next week so hopefully that will settle things down a bit. Hope you're all keeping well - or as well as we ever are! x
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