← Return to Can sed rate and c reactive results be normal while taking Prednisone?

Discussion
joycecawthon avatar

Can sed rate and c reactive results be normal while taking Prednisone?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 28 11:03am | Replies (41)
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for ceedub @ceedub

I was on 20mg Prednisone and developed a rather odd pain in right ear @ end of July. Prednisone was upped to 40mg. Went to primary doc last week who said I had Otitis Externa, AKA swimmer's ear (only time water could get in my ear is when I wash my hair...whatever). She prescribed drops (antibiotic + steroid...like I needed more!). Drops did not help, in fact they might have made pain worse. At "routine" appointment with rheumatologist this week, she said it was unlikely ear pain was GCA-related but wanted labs done to be sure. CRP and SED were normal. This uncertainty makes me nuts!

Jump to this post

Replies to "I was on 20mg Prednisone and developed a rather odd pain in right ear @ end..."
boomermeg | @boomermeg | Aug 18 7:07pm

@ceedub
Sorry you're going through the uncertainty too. I think I've had (or still do but not troublesome at the moment), the Otitis externa. In regards to being on Prednisone and having CRP and ESR normal. I'm newly diagnosed PMR 7/31/26. Had Ultrasound next business day to confirm and check for GCA. PMR confirmed GCA negative at this time.
Did you have an ultrasound to be sure about GCA? If you're concerned for any other reason than just the Otitis thing you might want to ask.
My CRP and ESR last Friday (8/14) were down to normal range after taking Prednisone since 7/31. Started at 15mg, raised to 20mg 8/5, then 25mg 8/15 due to incomplete symptoms and pain relief on left shoulder arm hand and upper back. I hope that helps in some way. I know the ear pain can come and go and be kind of sharp, but I gave up on the drops because I could never get enough in the right spot or lay there for 5 mins. It only bothers me every so many years as long as I don't poke it too hard with a q-tip....lol
But seriously, if concerned re GCA for any other reason, ask for ultrasound for it. Blessings.

VIEW AND REPLY