C-Reactive Protein advice please

maud48

Hi
My GP has been treating me for OA and there has been some concern for a long time as to whether I actually have inflammatory arthritis.
I eventually persuaded her to do some blood tests and the results for C-Reactive Protein were 7.8. I understand this is high from looking on the internet but what I don't know is how high.
If anyone could let me know what sort of level this is and how high these readings can go in inflammatory arthritis I'll be really greatful.
I can't get an appointment with the GP for over 2 weeks and I'm afraid she'll just fob me off again so would really like as much information as I can get before I go.
Thanks a lot,
maudx

janie68

Hi maud

I'm not sure that your result is high, as Lynn says below 5 is norma and yours is just over thatl, did you have ESR done as well as that is an inflammatory marker too. My highest has been I think( CCP) 21 but ESR 74.

The internet can tell you lots of things but the best people to ask are the health professionals, do you have a rheumy at all? If not then ask your GP when you next see them.

Janie

lizzie7ne

Hi, I think the norm is about 5 but it varies from person to person and I think something like a recent infection or virus can send it up as well as arthritis. I have RA, my readings vary, last month they were 4, during the first year of my diagnosis they were about 80 each month and during a huge flare they peaked to 292. I think I would speak to your GP and ask if he will repeat the test again to see if things have improved.

lizzie

babette

Hi Maud

My Doc checked my CRP during the process of getting an OA diagnosis. It was just over 5 (5.6 I think) he told me that that was a little above normal and not high at all and that I shouldn't worry about it unless it hit double figures.

B x

Wonkylegs

the test 'norms' do tend to very from area to area I find, so what one of us is told may not be what others are told.

I know that I was told that for the CRP it would be an aim to get it between 2-5, but that up to 8 was ok-ish.

My GP used to do the ESR test as well, but in this area that test has been replaced by the plasma viscosity test (PV) which has a very small window of what is 'normal' and I never have been

sorry not to be more help but ask your practice nurse or GP and they are usually very happy to explain

maud48

Thank you so much everyone who replied to me. It’s really helpful, to have this information before I see my GP.
I'm pretty sure I have OA as have all the signs of it but sometimes get flare ups which are a bit different. Other joints in my body which are not affected by OA, become very painful and also painful to touch which the OA ones aren’t. I also feel really tired and knocked out as if I have flu.
My GP has been saying for ages maybe I also have PA. I've had psoriasis for 57 years and have bad pitting and separating of my nails.
I'm not sure how these tests work for PA and I know my readings aren't very high but presumably they show some inflammation. I'm not sure if the fact that I'm taking strong anti-inflammatories would affect the results, also I wasn't having a flare up when they were done.
Perhaps I'm being a bit neurotic but I'd really like to know what I have. My GP doesn't seem to think it matters as she says the treatment for OA and PA is the same. I'll see how I get on when I see her and am thinking of seeing a consultant privately if I don’t feel I get anywhere.
maudx