Hi! I'm new!
I posted a long description of all my syptoms on the MS board because it is possible that I have it. However, my doctor called today to say that the C-Reactive Protein test which is a non specific test for inflamatory processing was strongly positive. The test for rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases were both negative. And my thyroid levels are normal. I'm waiting for the results from my brain MRI and I have an appointment scheduled with a neurologist. But now he also wants me to see a rheumatologist to pin down what this C-Reative Protein thing is about.
Anyone have any experience with this? :confused:

But now he also wants me to see a rheumatologist to pin down what this C-Reative Protein thing is about.
Anyone have any experience with this? :confused:

C-reactive protein or CRP is found in the liver and accumulates there in reaction to inflammation. CRP has been found to be a more accurate test to measure inflammation and pain than ESR or sed rate. Normal values for CRP are <0.8. I have never heard of a Dr. saying that CRP is positive. I am assuming that he is saying that your values are greater than the normal. You should ask for the test results or ask what the value was. My last one was 6.8 which is obviously quite high but at that time I was in a great deal of pain. I have been Dx'd with Psoriatic Arthritis and "my" normal CRP is probably about 3.0 since I am always in some pain.
It does sound like you have some sort of inflammatory process going on so, see the Rheum and get a good workup. I will read your MS post to see if I might be able to help any. Best of luck.

Al

Hey thanks for the info Al. I asked the nurse what was the number on my CRP and she said 43.1. I was like holy cow. I guess I understand why my doc said strongly positive. Have you ever heard of it being that high?
Also, I went to a website that talked alot about high CRP and low cholesterol possibly indicating a tendancy toward heart disease. Heard anything on that?

Julie