Do we have any experts on blood tests..

[Twiglett]

just had a letter from gp with yet another request for me to go for a blood test .. which will be my 5th in 2 months (or thereabouts)

its checking my esr again .. which has been raised (was anaemic but 2 blood tests ago that was fine .. due I think to copious floradix)

I know esr is a general test .. but what could it signify?

[noddyholder]

A raised esr signifies infection somewhere in the body

[tamum]

It can be for autoimmune conditions too- my mother has temporal arteritis and has ESRs eveny few weeks- they titrate the level of steroids depending on her ESR results. Poor you- are you OK?

[nailpolish]

esr blood tests are to detect an inflammation somewhere in the body. this could be from a chronic or acute illness, arthritis, etc

[nailpolish]

twig, were you not in hospital with a chest infection recently? or am i getting you mixed up with someone else...

[Twiglett]

thanks guys ...

I've actually been feeling fine since the acupuncture, thanks for asking ..

my chest infection was back in Sept / Oct so think I'm well over that one

[nailpolish]

that long ago twig? doesnt seem that long!

i hope everything is ok for you x