Raised CRP

[Backtothe90ties]

Hi I’m hoping for some advice. I’ve had raised CRP for 5 years since I had long covid which I’m sure triggered these problems. It’s either raised or above normal levels but deemed satisfactory.

In addition I have pain in hands and feet, tingling and cramps in my hands. I had undiagnosed B12 deficiency and was thought to have developed neuropathy. I’ve been fatigued since getting long covid mostly it is manageable but if I’m not careful I do become unwell. Most recently I’ve recurrent chest infections that need multiple courses of antibiotics to resolve.

I started HRT although I am on the younger side and one of my main motivations to this was joint pain and stiffness. It has been useful but this issue hasn’t resolved at all.

I’ve just been asked to repeat a CRP blood test which will in all likelihood come back satisfactory but I’m really starting to think it might be something autoimmune. My Dads mum had RA. Any suggestions about how I pursue this with my GP when they just repeat the tests and deem it no further action?

Ask them to add an RA blood test.

Out of interest, what are your b12 and vitamin D levels like? There are lots of people whose levels have tanked after getting covid. Low iron can be linked with inflammation /high CRP.

People who drink very regularly can also have high CRP, but I’m assuming that isn’t the case for you. Have they done stool samples to check theres no IBD or anything?

Thank you that’s helpful. My vitamin D, iron etc are all normal but on the low side but no matter what supplements I take this persists. I will ask for an RA blood test but am I right in thinking this isn’t conclusive?

Normal isn't necessarily optimal, do you know the actual levels? Have you had thyroid (full panel) ferritin, folate, ANA etc done?

Check with your GP that you’ve had a full autoimmune screen. What’s your ESR like?

CRP is nonspecific and does not necessarily mean autoimmune disease.

Obesity/overweight is an inflammatory state and can cause a persistently mildly raised CRP.