HIGH ESR , CRP POSITIVE

[jt623]

Hello
I'm having a bad time with chronic muscle pain, physician says is fibromyalgia. I also have chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain especifically at left area. Sometimes I'm having involuntary movement at finger in left hand while rest. During the day sometimes I have stabbing chest pain and muscle twitching in abdominal area or throat (very scared by this). My ESR is high and CRP came positive. Negative for ANA, RF, and uric acid. I don't know what I have. My physician referred me to a rheumatologist. Appointment is for next june..  

[jt623]

Thanks a lot for your information. I just want to feel better, know what I really have, and find a solution to all of this.

[carolanivey]

You might want to take someone with you to your appointment who can take notes while you listen. The first appointment can seem overwhelming. Also check out arthritis.org, mayoclinic.com, and fmaware.org/ for information.

[carolanivey]

CRP and ESR are tests designed to detect and measure inflammation in the body. It can be elevated by any number of things - sprained muscle, gum disease, a bacterial or viral infection. A good rheumatologist will look at a broad range of diagnostic evidence, not just blood tests. Blood tests alone never tell the whole story.

The reigning theory is that fibromyalgia (FMS), classed as an auto-immune disorder, is a malfunction of the nervous system in which your nerves over-react to normal stimuli. For example, I can't stand even the lightest touch on certain areas (trigger points) of my body, specifically the rib area.

A simple infection like a cold, which might be a minor inconvenience for some people, makes you feel like you have the flu. Activities that normal people take for granted can make you feel like you've just run a marathon.

FMS (if this is what you have) is one of those invisible, little-understood diseases, and no two people who have it exhibit the same set of symptoms. It's beastly hard to diagnose and treat, as no two people respond to the same treatments. As in most other auto-immune disorders, doctors throw things at it until something "sticks". This can take a frustratingly long time, both for you and the doctor trying to help you feel better. Don't be surprised if you are given an antidepressant! This doesn't mean it's 'all in your head' - some of them have been found to help FMS pain.

A rheumatologist is the best qualified specialist to diagnose and treat you. Having said that, all rheumies are not created equal. If he or she looks only at bloodwork and doesn't do a full range of diagnostic tests (xrays, laying eyes and hands on your sore areas, taking full note of all your symptoms, listening to you, etc.) find another one. Sorry you have to wait so long for an appointment. Good luck!