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New to PMR - Are Monthly Labs and Check-ups normal?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 11, 2023 | Replies (71)Comment receiving replies
Hi @abbeyc. Since my ESR and CRP were always normal (that's true for about 20% of us), my rheumatologist rarely does any blood work for me. If she's trouble-shooting some issue she will, but that's infrequent. Monthly seems a bit much especially if you're taking prednisone which will affect your inflammation markers. I've had PMR for 2.5 years and typically see my rheumy every three months. Tapering schedules may be useful, but you must let your body dictate your need for prednisone.
Replies to "Hi @abbeyc. Since my ESR and CRP were always normal (that's true for about 20% of..."
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I have had PMR since 2019, December. Brought on by the flu vaccine. I was off of prednisone for a couple of months and had a flare up so am back on it, but only mg a day for a few months and now on 2 mg a day and may be for a very long time, not sure. I see my rheumatologist 2 x a year now, but in the beginning it was 3 times a year with blood work every couple of months. When I had the flare up last October, my blood work was normal for the inflammation markers so yes, that can be normal too. I was told they go by how you feel, not just the tests. Since I'm on Medicare, with my plan, I don't ever pay for anything, so fortunate in that respect. Good luck.