[carol5]

Hi All,
Ijust wondered if anyone can tell me what the ESR measures, is it inflammation? if so, how high does it get before there's cause for concern?, mine has jumped from 8 to 17 in 3 weeks , i have also been reducing pred from 60mgs to 10mgs and am now on aza, any advice please
carol x

 

[Maia]

Here they do not get concerned until it is above 20, and yes it is a sign of inflammation. Other labs/places will have a lower limit though so it's best to go by your own labs reference range when possible.

 

[erenae1974]

Yes, inflamation. I have a very high inflamation number, right now it's at about 110. It only measures up to 140 and I have been at that number in the past. I usually average closer to about 80, and those are in good times. If you are concerned about it going up, you should ask your dr. about it. good luck!

 

[carol5]

thamkyou both for your replies, i will certainly look into it, i have also noticed that my platelet count although still in range at 299 has gone up by 57 in the last week, is this normal?
carol

 

[Maia]

Platelet amounts can vary considerably, and normal range is 150-400 for my lab. So you are well within range. Mine are normally in the low 200s to mid 200s

 

[KarolH]

My last ESR (sed rate) was 120 so I think your number is ok, yet clearly indicative of inflammation.

Maybe your numbers jumped because your tapering down on the steriods?

How do you feel?

 

[BigSis]

My sed rate normally runs along at 40ish. Currently 24 surprisingly but I feel no better really.
Has been up to 105.
I suppose some of us will always have some abnormal results unless we reach Nirvana....oh sorry I mean remission:hehe:

 

[acard]

My lab the normal range is (0-20) I have not had a normal sed rate since being diagnosed, I guess I have not reached Nirvana:lol:


Becca

 

[jenniferali]

try to tapper off your prednisone VERY VERY slowly. maybe 5 MG. per week. Dont jump the gun honey. have taken prednisone and medrol for 14 years. Just PLEASE use caution when comming off these tricky drugs!!!!!

 

[carol5]

thanks to you all, i have been tapering at 5mgs a week, but i just wondered if it was norm to jump by that amount in one week,am also starting to be sick, i thought it might be the aza but this is my 5th week and i thought if it was that i woudve felt it before now, i am so so tired like sleeping all day after school run till pick up then back in bed by 8pm till 7am but still feel tired! i cant live like this, i want my life back!!:worried::sad:

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Carol,

You may have reached the point where you need to taper your prednisone more slowly. Let your doctor know what has happened and see what he recommends.

Take care,
Lazylegs