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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/21/2005 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't been on this board before, but I have been on the breast cancer board. I've had some weird things going on, and my pcp ran a blood test which showed a sed rate of 29 (normal shows 20). I'm 58. The paperwork says 20 is normal, but some things show for someone my age, the outer limit of 30 may be normal. Do I need to be concerned? Also, my RBC is slightly below normal, but not terribly off?  Just wondering how worried I should be right now. Thanks. Roz
Posted 7/22/2005 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Roz,


There are a lot of nurses here on HW and I'm sure they'll give you some answers soon!

I don't know enough about the tests to give you info....I know part of my testing is they check the sed rate with my arthritis, but I don't know more beyond that. Did you learn the results from your doctor or have you not spoken to him/her yet about them? What did they say if you did speak to them already?


What type of weird things are going on?

Stay well.

**

Posted 7/22/2005 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
I see my pcp on Tues. I have had a pain in my feet--mostly left, but some on right also. Heel and bottom of foot. Slight redness. Sometimes sharp, sometimes feels hot. Other tiny things that may or may not be significant. I guess I'll wait to see doc wants to do next. Thanks for responding.

Posted 7/22/2005 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Ouch! Good luck with the PCP. If you can stand it, try giving yourself a deep massage with lotion in those areas and some streches in your feet. You may have already done that, but I felt like offering something. I have been dealing with severe problems in my feet for 10 years now...it is not fun, so I feel pain when I hear of others who have to deal with it also!

Take care and good luck. Keep us informed of what happens Tues.

**

Posted 7/23/2005 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

  I wouldn't be to concerned at those levels, I would however pay special attention to any symptoms you may notice and I'm sure the PCP will want to keep watch on the levels, esp. if you develop symptoms.

  You mentioned the breast cancer forum..do you have a history? If so this could accout for the slight elevation.

  Basically, a sed rate, also known as ESR, measures the rate at which red blood cells (RBC's) settle to the bottom of a column of blood in a glass tube. The rate depends on certain proteins in the blood.

  Some of the common conditions that can cause an elevation in the sed rate are infections, inflammatory diseases such as RA and lupus, blood cancers and other cancers that may have metastisis to other areas (lungs, breast, kidneys, colon).

  The test isn't really specific to one problem...just kind of a pre-diagnostic tool..just tells the Dr. that he may want to watch it for a time.

  If you develop some sort of symptoms or the rate continues to climb then I would expect the Dr. to begin additional tests to determine the cause.

  LOL..I probably gave way more info than you wanted..the nurse in me..have to teach!

  Anyway, I really wouldn't worry, just pay attention to your body.

Wishing you happiness and good health!

BamBam

Posted 7/23/2005 6:19 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks Donna, I really appreciated that read even though the original post wasn't from me!

:-)   **
Posted 7/23/2005 7:42 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, Donna. I have had breast cancer. I do appreciate your info. Thanks.

Roz

Posted 7/24/2005 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Roz,

hello and welcome to this side of HW!!! :-)

BamBam was absolutely correct with her explanation of the sed & esr, so i won't repeat. she has a lot of medical background!

my question is, since you have had a history of Breast CA....i am wondering if you were ever at a time anemic? on heavy chemo? which can make your RBC's lower and perhaps the sed rate higher.

are you on aspirin? coumadin? heparin? or any other NSAID? your sed rate might well be NORMAL for YOU! :-) since you have a history...you are kinda special. for instance....my RA levels will always be there and be high because now that is NORMAL for me.

if you are concerned...heck, bring it up to your doc! you pay good $$$, so the question is worth the askin'. but to ease your mind in the meantime....the levels are alright, but do keep an eye if it worries you or if you notice any weird bruising or excessive bleeding. your doc will probably look more closely into it.

regarding the foot discomfort....have you had any nerve damage? injury? high BP? heart disease? many things can explain foot pain and burning. are you a diabetic? mostly the foot thing comes from when the tiny nerves and vessels become inflammed if there is NO OTHER PREVIOUS BONE OR LIGAMENT PROBLEMS EXISTING.

now ya have a nice laundry list of stuff to bring to your doc! tongue

we are all here for you!

sincerely,

erin

LPN, in school for RN and excelerrated BSN to MSN/PhD nursing program specializing in infectious disease and rheumatics. 

Post Edited (erin kachmar) : 7/23/2005 7:16:28 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/25/2005 1:12 AM (GMT 0)

Erin,

Thank you for responding. I hope to talk to my doc on Tues and get some things figured out. I'll let you know what happens.

Roz

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