does high sed rate mean GCA? | Arthritis Information

I had a high sed rate, when doc did blood tests. Does this mean GCA, or does it go with PMR also? I'm confused with this.

Thanks for answering my questions,

Mutsy

Misty,

high sed rate does not necessarily mean GCA. Do you have headaches? Or eye pain or tender scalp or temple? Those could be indicators of GCA along with high sed rate. Your rheumatologist should be able to tell. Having PMR does not necessarily mean you have GCA, nor does having GCA mean you have PMR, although the two CAN go together or follow one another after a time. Are you seeing a rheumatologist or just a regular GP? A lot of primary care docs don't know about or understand PMR, so it would be best to be seeing a rheumatologist. Hope this helps. There are also a lot of web sites you can go to to read up on PMR and GCA.

Reni

Hi Mutsy

A high sed rate goes along with PMR also. Mine was up in the mid 70s in Dec. but now have it back down to the mid 20s.

Good luck.