Confused about ESR

[laker]

My ESR was 80 when tested by one doc. But my new doc is ordering the Westergren ESR and my ESRs have been 2,4, and 6. How do these tests compared and what is considered normal for Westergren ESR? Basically wondering how I can feel so horrible with an ESR of only 6!
Laker

[Clare.T]

Maybe somebody can reply better, but according to nih test site



Adults (Westergren method):

Men under 50 years old: less than 15 mm/hr.
Men over 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr.
Women under 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr.
Women over 50 years old: less than 30 mm/hr.

It is disconcerting to get a new expression of results, but what matters is the normal range for that lab.

If it is within normal range it doesn 't mean you aren't ill : it can only mean that ESR isn't raised and it's well known that this is possible in lupus. I hope your doctor isn't dismissing your concerns because of that.

All the best
Clare

[Maia]

I totally understand what you're going through. My sed rate is most often a ZERO, 1 or 2!!!! *lol*

Unfortunately, my doctors DO dismiss my complaints and say "your lupus is not active" whenever my sed rate is normal. Especially if my joints also have no swelling at the same time. This despite low complements which has actually always been my personal indication of a lupus flare up.

I have read online that you can have a normal sed rate, and have a lupus flare occurring. I think in my case my small red blood cell size has something to do with it... but I don't know for sure. Trying to find new and better doctors but having a hard time with it. Not very many rheumatologists around here, quite a shortage of them!

[ROSST]

My ESR is always within 'normal' limits, usually about 14, even when I'm having a flare and in extreme pain. I don't usually get much swelling and that's the reason (or so they told me) why my ESR is normal.

I would say that make sure your Dr knows you are still in pain, mine completely ignored my cries for help becuase of the pain because 'he said I had no swelling'. You know your body.

Blood tests should only be a guide as everybody reacts differently and has differnt symptoms.

Tracey

xx

[LolaLola]

My Consultant at St. Thomas's fortunately acknowledges that we can feel terrible with a normal ESR. One time mine was really high I felt no worse than normal.

I do get cross when GPs make these Statements.This is such a variable disease/
x Lola

[Lily]

Hi Lola,

ESR smeeesare :p :lol: Mine has never been abnormal, but I am :hehe: My lupus doc takes no notice of it, never orders it any more. For a while my GP just couldnt believe it, it went against everything he had been taught...........but then he realised he had a lot to learn where Lupus was concerned. I noticed my GP never orders it anymore either for me :lol:

As long as your doc isnt basing your health on an ESR that wont be raised in some Lupies then its ok.

love
Lily

[laker]

Thank you, I was so puzzled over going from what seemed to be very high to low and then they are apparantly using a different ESR test. My dr. is thinking of raising my immuran and possibly prednisone after he talks with my rheum so I guess he is not putting too much weight on the ESR and at least from your replies I know I am not crazy. I have been diagnosed with vasculitis and RA, not lupus-although last time I was in they tested for lupus again. Things are going downhill still so I was surprised at the sed rate. Thanks for the info and encouragement.
Laker