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Ann - 10 Jul 2006 19:06 GMT

I'm sero-negative RA for many years. Taken off plaquenil a few months
ago by gastro doc when I was hospitalized with inflamed liver. That
seems to be resolved now. Joints are now hurting more than they ever
did and I'm stiff all day and not moving around very well. RD doesn't
want to see me until gastro doc releases me.

His latest blood tests show:
Sed rate at 57

CRP at 6.3 but the lab's normal shows a negative 5.0 shown as <5.0
Does this mean the CRP is VERY high or just a little high?

What advice can anyone give about where I should go from here. Get
referred back to my RD maybe and get something for the inflammation? I
also have an endo doc who is trying me on high dosages of Vitamin D to
shock my parathyroids from making too much Parathyroid Hormone Intact
which is at 200.1 last test. PCP doc is no help at all.
Thanks for any input. My brain is fast getting sleepier with all this
data trying to keep it awake.

Ann

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Harvey R. Stone - 10 Jul 2006 21:13 GMT

Hi Ann, Your RD already admits you have inflam.arth or you would not be
taking Plaq. I would ask for a stronger DMARD and maybe a steroid shot in
the rear to calm down all the places that hurt. I am afraid that my RD and
I would go round and round if he gave me that BS&* about waiting for a
gastro to get done but thats me and you deal with your RD the best way you
can,,,,,, but get help,,,, expect help.

Harv

> I'm sero-negative RA for many years. Taken off plaquenil a few months
> ago by gastro doc when I was hospitalized with inflamed liver. That
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Ann

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RoseB - 10 Jul 2006 22:58 GMT

CRP is a bit elevated. According to that lab's protocol less than 5 is
normal, and yours is just over that. The ESR is quite elevated though,
and shows there is some sort of inflammatory process happening.
Rose @}>->--
Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to understand it. RB

Please remove "Ima" to reply.

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Fire Chief - 10 Jul 2006 23:43 GMT

> His latest blood tests show:
> Sed rate at 57

Mine is 5, normal being 20 or less, shown as < or = 20

The < arrow means LESS THAN, not negative.

> CRP at 6.3 but the lab's normal shows a negative 5.0 shown as <5.0
> Does this mean the CRP is VERY high or just a little high?

Normal is LESS THAN 5.0, shown as <5.0

Your 6.3 is just a little above that 5.0 level.

... Doing nothing is tiresome because you can't stop and rest.

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Ann - 11 Jul 2006 00:59 GMT

Oh boy, my brain really needs a scrubbing.
Thanks Rose and Chief for reminding me what < means. I got hung up on
negative when I should have known it means "less than". So much for all
that book larnin' years ago!
Harv, you are right in that I have to take charge here. I've been
feeling so crappy that I've just gone along. Tomorrow I have an appt.
with gastro doc and Wednesday with PCP so will inform both that I need
my Plaquenl back asap and will make an appt with RD for a systemic shot
if the other two docs agree.
I really appreciate you guys who can always answer my questions.

Ann

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Squirrely - 12 Jul 2006 15:46 GMT

Ann,

I hope the results tell you what you need to do and then you can get it
taken care of. I hope all goes well for you. Take care.

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Love and hugs Jo

(\__/) .~ ~. ))
/O O ./ .'
{O__, \ {
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.( _( )_.'
'---.~_ _ _&

> I'm sero-negative RA for many years. Taken off plaquenil a few months
> ago by gastro doc when I was hospitalized with inflamed liver. That
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Ann

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