C Reactive Protein (CRP) test

Options
Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376

Have any of you had this test? It indicates inflammation in the body. It's one way to see if cancer is hanging out somewhere. It can also indicate other types of disease, not just cancer, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Just wondered if anyone had this test done and what your results were. My test result for CRP was slightly elevated, I'm off to the doc to see what this means Frown hope everything is ok.....

tuckertwo

Comments

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited August 2011

    How did it go? I actually requested my onc run this today! It's been touted as quite an indicator! If mine is high, I definitely will pursue anti inflammatories. I had allergy tests done recently, which showed several foods off the chart reactive for me. One was wheat...I can't imagine trying to eliminate it....lots of work.



    I first heard about this test in Anti Cancer, by David Servan Schreiber. Lots of once now watch for this!

  • catbill
    catbill Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    I had a high result, but it can be genetic too, so now I don't know what to think.  Mine has been high for years.

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited August 2011

    Catbill, have you considered taking aspirin? It fights inflammation, which I believe c reactive is an indicator for. There is a lot you can do for inflammation. Fish oil is another idea. I didn't know that it can be genetic...thanks for sharing the info!

  • amanda1116
    amanda1116 Member Posts: 127
    edited August 2011

    I have it every year as part of a routine physical (my internist does it on everyone). It can certainly indicate cancer or early/risk of heart disease or even arthritis: any inflammatory condition from the serious to the asymptomatic and their are tons and tons.  The issue with this test is that it is like an MRI: it is very sensitive and not very specific.

  • BobbiMarie
    BobbiMarie Member Posts: 60
    edited August 2011

    It is a standard cardiac test  - as was mentioned - for inflammation.  It is an indicator of cardiac disease (such as clogged arteries).  Sed Rate also measures inflammation.  High Sensitive CRP is more specific/accurate, I understand.

  • catbill
    catbill Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    Thanks for the ideas, geewhiz.

    I do both baby aspirin and fish oil every day...but I have GERD that has been difficult to control and also a bit of arthritis in my knees.  I'm wondering if these are inflammatory processes.  My sed rate checks out normal.  I'm working on increasing my exercise and adding more veggies to my diet.  Counting carbs, so gotta be careful with the sugar in fruits.

  • Thatgirl
    Thatgirl Member Posts: 276
    edited August 2011

    I just got mine tested it was .83. It's suppose to be a really good number.

  • navygirl
    navygirl Member Posts: 886
    edited August 2011

    I had it two years ago when I saw a Rhumatologist for issues regarding joint pain following treatment. Mine came back at 633, but other than another elevated inflammation marker (don't remember which one) they couldn't pin anything down. I know they were leaning towards Lupus, but some other specific Lupus indicators were negative - so they classifed me as "undetermined" inflammation :\

  • 4EqltyMom
    4EqltyMom Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2011

    Navygirl - have they considered fibromyalgia?

  • KatMJ
    KatMJ Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2011

    Cardio CRP  People with T2 diabetes should be tested also. 

  • navygirl
    navygirl Member Posts: 886
    edited August 2011

    4EqltyMom, that was the first thing they brought up - but because I have joint pain and not muscle pain, they quickly moved on from that. In a way, I wish it had been, at least I'd have something difinitive, you know? 

    Instead, as August rolls in, so does the fatigue, pain, migraines and nausea again...if last winter is any indication - I don't look forward this this next round. I thought the last one was going to do me in. I know they are going to want me to go back to Rhumatology, but I really don't see the point -they've tested me for everything but pregnancy and come up empty :\

    tucker -any more news on your results? I hope yours was a passing elevation and not an indication of something mroe serious...let us know how you are. 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Well, my naturopath and onc feel that my CRP number is nothing to worry about. Could be arthritis. I am taking an enzyme called Serrapeptase which is amazing as far as relieving pain and inflammation w/o any side effects. Have any of you gals tried it?

    tuckertwo
    Diagnosis: 8/27/2008, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/8 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+

  • thenewme
    thenewme Member Posts: 1,611
    edited September 2011

    Hi tuckertwo,

    CRP really isn't a standard test to "see if cancer is hanging out."  It's a measure of inflammatory response that can  be a result of lots of things, as you mentioned, like infection, wound healing, arthritis, etc.  Some doctors order a CRP along with other tests like CBC, tumor markers, vitamin D, etc., for breast cancer patients as part of a general overall monitoring.  Here's more on this specific test: 

    http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/crp/tab/test 

    For those having other types of pain/inflammation issues from athritis, rheumatitis, etc., have you looked into Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)?  Several people here on BCO have found it really helpful, so it may be worth a try.  MD Anderson says this about it:  "The resin has anti-inflammatory effects and has been used to treat arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. It is also being studied in the treatment of brain tumors. Also called Boswellia serrata."

Categories