An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 89 is high, but not terribly high. An elevated sed rate is so non-specific and can mean just about anything. ESR elevates naturally with age. Infections, cancer, vasculitis, polymyalgiarheumatica (PMR) and many, many more diseases can elevate the ESR. The one important message that an old, wise internist taught me was not to treat the numbers. If the ESR is elevated for a reason, find out what the exact reason is and treat it.

Your doctors must think that the elevated sed rate in you is related to the "strokes" in the eye, possibly a type of vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to occulsion). Perhaps, in order to save your sight, they want to reduce inflammation quickly with prednisone (a powerful steriod that stops the inflammatory process).

Yes, prednisone has nasty side effects like weight gain and elevated blood pressure, but these risks must be deemed "worth it" in order to initiate prednisone treatment. Much of the weight gain is due to water retention (NSAIDS can also have the same effect). Restricting your salt intake will help to combat the water retention.

If your body is having a hard time controlling inflammation naturally (thus requires periodic use of prednisone), I strongly suggest looking into a concept called the anti-inflammatory diet. I first read about this in Dr. Andrew Weil's book called Healthy Aging . Good nutrition equals a pound of prevention. And, you know what they say, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

sandy

7/31/12 8:05am

Hi,

  I have a query. I am 28yrs old. I am having severe joint pains since 6-7yrs i have got my blood tests done recently. All my CRP, CPK, CUE, ASO restults are normal except ESR 1st hr its 42mm/hr and IInd hour 89mm/hr. I am little worried and would like to know what does this mean. Doctor gave me medicine of Carnisure, Duzela and asked to take a penicillin injection for every 2 weeks. Ugesic half tablet when ever i feel severe pain in my joints. Kindly help me to understand what problem my body is facing and what care should i take to keep it healthy.

 

Regards

Sandy

Christina Lasich, MD, Health Pro

8/ 6/12 10:22pm

I really have no idea what a carnitine deficiency would have to do with an elevated ESR. Duzela (Cymbalta) is sometimes used to treat pain and possible the pain from muscles in conditions that would elevate an ESR. But like I said in the previous reply, an elevated ESR can be related to many different problems that may or may not be connected to each other.And like I said before, health can be improved with a good nutrition because food is medicine.

 

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD