Flare ups of Lupus!

Hi Pat, Thank you for posting this. I know it was a difficult time for you. These doctors tend to look at the ESR, which is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, which is alot of long names, and the CRP, which is C-reactive Proteins, which is to do with the liver and fat cells. Basically those two tests, the ESR and the CRP are known as indicators as to how active the disease is, and how much inflammation there is going on in the body. Also the CRP can give an indication of something more sinister happening like an infection depending on how high it is. But they are usual general tests which a Rheumy would ask for, plus an FBC, which is a full blood count, and some U's and E's, average standard tests. If the CRP is incredibly high, it could be an indication of an infection going on somewhere else in the body. But you would probably already know about it, because by that point you wouldnt be feeling very well in a different type of way, like say when you have a chest infection or a urine infection. Sometimes though these tests dont always give a clear enough indication of whats happening with a persons inflammation. Good Rhuemy's tend to go by looking at their patients and talk to their patients about whats going on and how they are feeling. They dont take the blood tests as gospel for everythng, as i said they are just used as an indicator and a guide usually. I have had tests where my ESR has only been slightly elevated. But also it depends on whether you have had any infections, anything else happening like stress or other factors. The Rheumy can have a look at our hands, and feel our joints to see if they are warm which would indicate whether they are inflammed or maybe swollen even. All sorts of other things can be looked at other than the tests, like the colouration of the skin too, especially on the hands and nails. And yes you are quite right about an elevated level indicating inflammation. Most Rhuemy's as i said just use the bloods as a guide. But as i said most good Rheumy's would go by what the patient tells them. If you present as being tired and in pain, they have to take notice of that, even if the blood levels arent showing how bad you might be feeling. And they should ask you to do another blood test in say a week or two's time, because you could be just at the start of a flare, and the bloods have been maybe that touch too early to show the full extent of whats happening. Its complex isnt it? Most Lupus sufferers know how they are feeling, and whether they are worse or better. Do you have Fibromyalgia Pat? I know you did mention it. Because that also causes a lot of pain in certain areas. Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain. And i did hear that alot of Lupus sufferers often have Fibromyalgia as well. Lupus is such a complex disease. I hope this all makes sense, and sorry if i have repeated myself abit. Its early hours of the morning. I just thought i would come on and see whats been happening on the website. I hope this reply helps a little bit. love and hugsxoxoxox