The following messages are from the IAS ARCHIVES:
1.) From: Tina Shelby (tshelby@usit.net) Tue, 15 Feb 2000 13:53:05 -0600
Helen...Yes, you are correct, a normal ESR for women, depending on the method used to evaluate the ESR, the ranges are from 0-20mm/hr. The frustrating thing about the ESR is it will indicate an inflammatory process but does't get much more specific than that. Things that cause it to be elevated include the collagen diseased, infections, inflammatory diseases, cancer, metal poisoning, nephritis, pneumonia, severe anemia. ESR is usually used in conjuction with other tests to confirm a diagnosis. IT will indicate the presence of an active inflammation, but not the cause of the process. So when other tests are normal - it really doesn't mean much as far as diagnosing is concerned. There is another test similar to the ESR, is the C-reactive protein. It too will indicate an inflammatory process but will not determine the cause. Most all of these tests are elevated in my case as well, esp. immediately after having "an episode". I am interested to know if these tests have been done on others in the forum, and if they were elevated. This would be some objective data, that can show that what we are dealing with is not just based on subjective information. Hope this helps.
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2.) From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net) Mon, 14 Feb 2000 16:59:34 -0600 (CST)
Tina, Thanks for sharing from your medical background!! In your last paragraph you said: "In our situation, knowing that adhesions can be causing inflammation, I have to wonder if the lymp count is elevated in response to that."
I am not a medical professional but I am inclined to believe your theory; because my ESR ( Blood Sedimentation Rate )seems to stay consistently in the mid-80's. A normal ESR is someplace in the 20's or low 30's. Is that correct, Tina?
NEVER has there been any concern shown by a physician in regard to that reading. Since physicians have never shown concern about my elevated ESR, why do they even order that test at all?
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3.) From: Jill (jillhumb@crosswinds.net) Sat, 26 Aug 2000 13:07:31 -0500 (CDT)
I can always count on this great place to come and feel welcome.
My sed rate was 66, so I guess that is a bit high, if the normal is around 20. The doc did mention that it means "internal inflammation" - but then right away he said, "so it must not be adhesions" ?????
He wants to see me again next week, and from there we will decide whether or not he will try and tackle this mystery himself, or send me to a specialist of some type. He tried to get me into a gastro he likes, but the wait time was very long. He may decide to order an ERCP, just to check bilary ducts and pancreas one more time.
I KNOW there is inflammation going on - I can feel it! every once in a while it feels like the alien is trying to pop out from under my ribs - it is so frustrating.
Right now just trying to stay calm, and keep from preventing any more panic attacks.