High CRP (C-Reactive Protein) and Steroids?

[JustLaura]

Hi

GP phoned me to say my C- Reactive Protein (CRP) is high again meaning active inflammation.

The normal range is 0-5 but mine is always around 15 (over the last 3 blood tests).

GP says I need to start a short course of steroids for 4 days.

I was quite shocked so just accepted this.

Why would I have steroids?

If I take them for 4 days, doesn't the inflammation just return?

Thanks

That's not massively high. Do you have existing inflammatory illness?If not it seems odd to treat without knowing what's causing it. You could have infection. Was it actually a GP?
I have RA and 15 wouldn't ring any alarm bells.

I guess it depends what is causing the inflammation and what steps you take to address that cause.

Steroids will reduce the inflammation but if you change nothing else then yes it could well return.

15 isnt hugely high

I guess it depends what medical conditions you have, as to why they would give you steroids

Thanks @Solena no diagnosed inflammatory illness. I do have a shoulder swelling that I'm scheduled to have an MRI for (Ultrasound was inconclusive). It was a Doctor who prescribed them. Said the reason is that my CRP has been increasing over years and last 3 blood tests this year shows it's always around 15.

Would it be ok to ask your CRP level? I have wondered if I have RA due to shoulder pain but I'm confused as my pain seems to be worse at night?

Thanks

Thanks @TheHornedOne I haven't been advised by my GP how I can lower the CRP level without drugs?

Thanks @PoopingAllTheWay I haven't got any diagnosed illnesses but I am waiting for an MRI on a shoulder swelling. GP says the range for CRP should be 0-5 - mine is consistently around 15 this year and it's dangerous to not act on that?

My CRP was 112 due to an infection that caused me to be hospitalised. 15 is high. But moderately so. Take advice from your doctor and try not to worry

Seroids will calm inflammation and probably lower the crp. They won't cure whatever is causing the inflammation.
My crp was 160 when I had covid. It's normally around 12 due to RA. Never been below 5 for 10 years.

Thanks @Solena I am increasingly anxious about my health.

I have wondered if COVID could have kicked all this off in my body as I was ill with COVID for 8 weeks in 2022 and I seem to have decreased immunity since then. Then an allergy? I have had during the winter months (for 10+ years) seemed to become permanent (sinus issues - post-nasal drip/wave sounds in both ears), then the shoulder swelling and pain appeared and this initiated blood tests.

Does that mean I may be put on steroids permanently if it turns out to be RA?

I'm not sure I have typical RA symptoms as my pain seems worse at night than morning?

Does your pain come and go?

I'm baffled by it.

Thank you again. I appreciate your replies.

@Solenaforgot to add:

CRP was 15 (Normal range is 0-5)
ESR was 2 (Normal range 2-20)

Baffled by these blood test results.

If anyone has experienced similar blood test results, please let me know?