I went to a new neurologist who said that I needed to see a reuhmatologist. Although he said he couldn't treat me, he ran some labs before I left the office.

I got the first set of results last night, and my ESR (sed rate) and C-reactive protein levels were elevated. I know this is a marker for inflammation or possible autoimmune connection, but I am waiting on the other tests.

I am honestly elated that my results were abnormal! At least now I have proof that I am NOT crazy . I don't know what this means exactly, but at least the next doctor can't dismiss me for having "normal" test results.

I was in extreme pain last night (considered urgent care) with skin burning all over, but I was so happy to have "proof" that I still went to bed happy!

I certainly understand you feeling like your problems have been qualified with some abnormal results. I'm sure they'll get to the bottom of it.

What were the other labs requested? It would have been nice if he ran some basic autoimmune panels so you have results with you at your first visit with the rheumatologist.

I've had elevated ESR for over 30 yrs. It hovers around 25-30.

But all my ANA and other inflammatory markers are normal.
C-reactive protein normal too.

So further testing is a good idea as en bloc states.

There are some borderline people like me who don't test positive on much, but still have some inflammatory thing.

I think that is why aspirin (in AlkaSeltzer) works for me.

There are really no answers for many of us, however.

I do relate to how you feel about the "abnormal" results. I was laughing while reading your post. We are the only few "species" who are happy to have abnormal results!

Of course, we ARE NOT crazy. What we feel is real, regardless of what those doctors think.

Since when did you have your neurological symptoms? I have seen 3 neurologists and I will be seeing another new (4th) neuro.

Let us wish ourselves good luck in this journey of finding the cause, or at the least confirmatory diagnosis.

Take care and God bless.

I have been on an aspirin regimen since October, so I can only imagine the results without it. He also ran a lupus and RA panel, along with a few other things that I don't remember. He said one of the tests had to go out of state, so it would take awhile.

My ESR/SED, was 37, and my c reactive was 1.6 (the lab states anything below 0.9 is normal). I don't know what the other tests will hold, but I'm sure a reuhmatologist will at least investigate further. I've heard that they are much better "detectives" than neurologists.

Has anyone else seen one?

1.6 is not that high. Some labs give different ranges.

My C-reactive protein is usually around .9, but when I had my last root canal (I was having blood work done at that time by coincidence), it jumped to 1.5 that time!

So it can reflect something else going on in the body too.

There are people with C-reactive protein that are much higher.
readings of 10 and above!

My problems began maybe in 2010, but they were so minor that I let it go. Then I began having deep leg pains last May, but I didn't get truly concerned until I had the TIA in October. Ever since then, I have been on the decline.

I hope you have answers soon. I don't know why the neuro suggested a rehumy, or why he requested the bloodwork even though he wasn't going to treat me, but I'm glad he did!

Mrs. D, I just went back online, and my results for the rheumatoid factor was positive as well! When I was tested in March, the only abnormal value I had was the sed rate of 37, so for me, having every test listed as "high" on the chart is news that I get excited about.

I have long suspected autoimmune disorder, since many of my problems come/go in flares. I read that you will only test positive when you are having a flare, if the autoimmune disorder has not progressed past a point.

I understand that the values were not extreme, but they were all abnormal, so I feel further investigation is at least warranted.

A positive Rh factor is a pretty good sign... that is probably why
you need a Rheumy.

I had that test twice over the years, and my doctor said it had a high false negative rate (so I've had it repeated). So getting a positive on it is a clear sign you have problems. I've had arthritis for many years, so I had testing done for lupus, Rh factor, ANA etc more than once.

Let's hope your issues are easily controlled and treated. Make sure they do the coagulation tests, to make sure you don't have sticky blood. En bloc knows alot about those, and can help you there. I've never had those, myself.

Dear Mrs.D,

I had 4 times tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis and ANA in the last 2 years due to my arthritis. All the tests were done before my neurological symptoms.

Is it possible that the result negative can become positive several years after?

Thank you.