Hello Everyone :wave:

I was wondering if anyone had a blood test named, "C-Reactive Protein." I had just got the results of my most recent lab testing from my Rheumatologist office as I had them fax this to me today. On my paper work it does state that the reference range for this specific test should be <0.8 and my test came back outside of the range at 1.3
I had asked my primary doctor about this as I had an appointment with him today and all he said is that I have inflammatory problems. Gosh I already know this as my last sed rate was 37. I had originally thought that my rheu. was going to order another sed rate but he did not. I had one other test come back abnormal which was Bilirubin total 0.1, and that was low, which I don't think that is a concern. What I don't know is if I should be at all worried about the C-Reactive Protein Results. I don't see my Rheumatologist for 3 months.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:
____________________
~LUMBAR~
Posterolateral Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy on L4,L5,S1 June 2003
Instrumentation = 2 Rods, 6 Screws, 2 Disc Spacers
~CERVICAL~
Straightening of the Normal Cervical Lordosis.
Mild Congenital Narrowing of the Spinal Canal.
C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Herniated Discs
C4-5 & C5-6 , Cord Flattening at these levels.

Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Diabetes, Anemia, Asthma, Acid Reflux, Migraine's

Offhand I don't know the answer but I do know it was asked here before, if you do a search on the site you should find it and find what the potential diagnosis would be based off that.

I dont think you should be too worried about it. My result was over 4. I requested my rheum. to have it done. She only ordered it because I asked for it. Heres the story as I understand it: It does indicate that there is inflammation. In a person without RA or other inflammatory disease it would be a cause for concern because it could mean heart disease. In someone with RA it really doesnt tell you a thing because as you said you already know you have inflammation. I believe it is a test used to indicate impending heart disease. It would be expected to be high in a person with RA and is pretty much useless. Of course it would be hoped that with RA meds it would come down somewhat.

Tomarrow, i too have a elevated C-reactive protein along with elevated esr. But i am confused cuz my ana was neg. and HLAB-27 was neg. So i have been wondering if i would still have AS? I have read about the tests and i am still unclear about my results. I too have to wait til Nov. before i see my rheumy again. Sure seems like along time to have to wait to find out what is going on. I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

As I understand it, C Reactive Protein is just another measure of inflammation. I just had a dr. appt and I have normal sed rate, but elevated C reactive protein. My rheumy explained it as just another inflammatory measure.

Hope this helps a little...

Hi Jeanne,

Since I am not a doctor or even close I would imagine it isn't much to worry about but rather just knowledge to have. It may be of some use in the future and something to keep an eye on. If it were something the doc would not wait 3-4 months to see you. The doc would be on that ASAP and you would know it. Or at least I put faith in your doctor that he/she would be that way.

You can go to the arthritis foundation website and I believe they can tell you all about tests, why they do them, and things of that nature. Not sure though.

Jeanne,

I noticed that you had Straightening of the Normal Cervical Lordosis. Can you tell me a little about it? I've never heard of that procedure.

I have osteo in my neck pretty badly from 2 previous whiplash injuries. My posture is horrible, seems my neck looks like a turtle posture! When I try consciously to keep it straighter, I hurt worse for days, also in my shoulders.

Was you case anything like that?

I also have an ANA of 1:640 for several years, and a couple of other autoimmune things going on. Rheumy says I have possibilties of other stuff coming to light.

Thanks,
Donna

Hello Everyone :wave:

Thank you so much for everyone's responses. You have all put my mind to rest. Since my Rheum has not called me then I am not going to worry. I believe his is just keeping an eye on my inflammatory problem. At my last visit he did tell me that he does not believe the Bextra is working for me and he did prescribe me a six day dose of Methylprednisolone with a refill. The only thing these steroids did was make me a very cranky person...lol

Donna,

I have a couple of injury's to my cervical area and I have not had surgery to repair this yet. My neuro surgeon does not want to operate unless it is absolutely necessary as I did not have a good outcome with my lumbar fusion. At this time I have slight compression on my spinal cord which is not a good thing and I have to very careful.
Here is a little information that I had that explains Lordosis.

The neck or cervical spine curves by lordosis or curving forward much like a pot belly sticking forward. This is normal in most people.

It is very common that in whiplash accidents, repetitive work or even over time, the deep and superficial muscles of the neck shorten, causing a loss of normal curvature or straightening of the neck. This is generally not good or normal and will typically contribute to abnormal compression forces within the neck, causing pain, limb numbness or tingling, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, thoracic outlet, carpal tunnel, ulnar neuritis and a whole host of other problems.

The treatment is a little tricky, and can involve many disciplines including traction, chiropractic, physiotherapy, personal stretching, a mix of medications and possibly a form of deep spinal needling or injections performed by a therapist who is experienced in deep myofascial spinal release.

The recovery is gradual and takes commitment from the therapist and patient.
:angel: Jeanne :angel: