Louise

I personally nor my Rheumy team ever go by blood test results. They tell me that I know my own body and listen to what I am telling them. My ESR and CRP have always been low but I have very bad joint damage. So many things can affect these results that they are not a good indication of what is going on with you.

I would suggest that you do what you feel is right for you and don't worry about the blood test results.

Take care

Jackie
xx

Hi Louisa,
When my ra was less controlled, I once asked my rheumy doctor how long I should let a flare continue before contacting the rheumatology nurse.
I was always expecting that things would improve on their own after a few days, as the word "flare" seems to suggest but he said to contact them straight away.
Luckily now, with better control I only get what I think of as mini flares.
I would get in touch and just let them know how you are feeling. It may be that your whole treatment needs to be reviewed.
hope you get sorted soon,
Zena x

This time is odd compared to usual, but I am not right. I'm sort of stuck in a half way zone at present. I have really intense upper body pain (shoulders, neck, elbows, wrists, hands, jaw etc) and am seizing up very fast whenever I sit. I phoned the rheumatology nurse today (she's lovely and very helpful) and she said to ask the GP for steroids. My GP practice are very difficult about giving depo injections even when the hospital ask them to (apparently only one Dr can do it and he 'doesn't believe in' giving the dosage the hospital suggest ) so I am going to ask for prednisolone. That usually helps so hopefully it should at least level things out a bit.

I am really struggling to manage things like getting my child to school, and am throwing the kettle over everywhere again so think I need a bit of a boost. I haven't had steroids since about February so this is probably about normal timing for me.

Thankyou for your help everyone

Hi Louisa

It's bernice's sports day on Friday
I do find them hard
Lots of sitting on the field and no shade!
My daughter needs me there
But if I have been too ill I've sent my mum or dad or my sister

Family fund might be an option for you
We've applied for this year
Might get it?

Have a look into it for you they are kind
They want to actually help!

Jenni xx