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

@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.

When I first saw my PCP when PMR hit (like a truck) she strongly suspected PMR and ordered blood tests for sed/crp and prescribed prednisone. But she asked me to wait to start the prednisone until after the blood was drawn because the pred would alter the sed/crp results and mask them if they suggested PMR. I followers her instructions and both sed/crp came back high. Both have been squarely in normal/non detect since starting prednisone, but the PMR journey and inflammation pain eeking in with every taper tell the true story. Prednisone is both friend and enemy. It makes the PMR pain manageable while systematically eroding the health of multiple other bodily functions. I cannot wait to escape it.

@miluna I'm on my second taper for GCA after a flare a few months ago. I'm at 6 mgs and yesterday I could barely function. I have good days and bad days, yesterday was the worst. My bloodwork is overall stable except for the usual high white blood cells and absolute neutrophils, CRP and ESR normal. I know how you're feeling and I'm sorry. I never imagined this for my retirement having been healthy my whole life. We will get through this, takes a lot of patience I know but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Wishing you well.

@kobellava Hi, I’m sorry to hear about your struggles with GCA tapering. Your comment about being healthy all your life and never expecting retirement to be like this, struck a cord with me. l feel the exact same way! I have always been strong and healthy too. Seven months into retirement I received the unwelcome gift of PMR.
With my tapering, I struggled at the 6 mg point and bumped back up to 6.5. Then tapered down to 6 and then 5 . At 5 I had to go back up to 5.5. I’m finally back down to 5 mg and doing better than the first time around. From here forward I will never taper more than a half a milligram at a time despite what my rheumatologist would like. At this lower dose a 1 mg drop a month is too painful.

I hope you find the dose that makes things bearable. I’ve only dealt with PMR, so I don’t know what it’s like to have GCA. Truthfully I hope I don’t find out either. I have put off any major travel plans until I feel I have a better grip on this.
May a pain-free retirement be in your future soon. Best of health always.

@franklinlala Thank you very much for your comments. I too have only dropped 1/2 mg. every 5-6 weeks although my rheumatologist suggested 1 mg. It was my opthamologist that sent me into a flare with a crazy taper of 7.5, 5, 7.5, 5 and when I got to 5 after a few days I had a flare and had to go up to 20 mgs. Very frustrating. I was at 6.5 for 5 weeks and dropped to 6. Was fine for a couple of days and then nothing but a struggle to even get out of bed. Slept most of the day today and it's now almost 4 in the morning. I've tried not to let this disease upend my life but there are many days that just aren't normal. My aunt who is 90 has PMR and has been on a maintenance dose of 4 mgs. for 20 years. My doctor has said that may be the case with me with GCA. I have to add she is doing well but has her days too. Her PMR never progressed to GCA and I pray yours doesn't either. We know our bodies better than doctors and I've come to the conclusion that the ones I see really don't know enough about GCA and it affects every one different. I know how painful PMR can be and I'm sorry. I do know we will get through these unexpected challenges. With GCA I know the chance of drug free remission isn't very high. If I can get to 4 mgs I will be okay with staying there. I'm happy for you that you are doing well at 5mgs. That's something to celebrate! Wishing you all the best and yes, best of health to you too!