Raised esr in my blood test

[mum2seb]

So I've been back for a repeat test, and I asked the phlebotomist/ nurse what it actually meant, and she said it was a marker of arthritis - either rheumatoid or osteo. I'm a bit worried now, actually. My nan had really bad osteo-arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis doesn't sound very nice either.
I don't know what I want from typing this on here, but I haven't anyone to talk to at the moment that wouldn't end up being really worried and upset! I have to wait until monday for the results, and I really don't know how I'm going to be able to wait that long (well, obviously, I'm just going to have to, I suppose!!).

what was your reason for having the tests.

dont jump to conclusions til they do further tests as a raised ESR is an indication of any of the following....not always the worst scenario.........

The ESR and CRP level are raised many inflammatory conditions. For example:.

?Certain infections (mainly bacterial infections)
?Abscesses
?Certain types of arthritis
?Various other muscular and connective tissue disorders
?Tissue injury and burns
?Cancers
?Crohn's disease
?Rejection of an organ transplant
?Heart attack

these are just some...and it also depends on how high the results are.
What was yourlast ESR reading

ESR is a kind of non specific test that gives an indication of whether you have any inflammation - rheumatoid arthritis is one of the things that can cause it to be higher, but it doesn't mean that you have this, theres all sorts of things that can raise ESR.

Did you have blood taken for something specific ?

I should have asked what the reading was, shouldn't I? Well, I kind of go into autopilot when faced with a blood test (it's a nightmare getting blood out of me).

I had a load of tests done on my blood because basically, I'm tired/ completely knackered all the time. Iron levels have come back fine, as has the thyroid function test. It's just this esr one that has come back raised.

I know, I'm being daft, and I'll just have to wait until Monday for the results. I just hate all the waiting around. It might be nothing. Roll on Monday!

Thanks for answering, by the way alypaly, it is MUCH appreciated.

have you had a recent virus or have you got young children that have had slapped cheek

My ESR was very raised when in the middle of a chest infection this Summer - it was 63. Apparently it should be up to 15. I had a repeat test done 3 weeks later and it was down to 16.