Will My Blood Tests Be Off? | Arthritis Information

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Hi,

 

I’m going to be seeing a new rheumatologist on the 29th.  I am currently only taking prednisone 5mg, and a slew of natural products (Zyflamend, Vitamins, Glucosamine, MSM, green tea etc.).  I assume he will conduct another round of blood work.  Will all these supplements skew the results of the blood work?  I’m wondering if they will result in lower inflammation results on my tests, and will that be an incorrect reflection of my condition?  Or do these supplements just help with inflammation and will not affect blood work?

 

I’ve left a message with the new office, but in the meantime, I’m curious as to your thoughts.

 

:-)

 

Twilight, I am taking all of those, but prednisone, and I had a blood test recently and my rh and inflammation were all high.  I have my first rheumy appointment on Monday.   I take all those except Zyflamind.  What is it? Zyflamend is a combination of ginger and tumeric and some other natural herbs that are supposed to help with inflammation.  It is one of the few studied natural herbs on the market.  They did a big study on it at U of A and it actually works.  It isn't a cure, but it helps symptoms.

As Arizonara stated, it is a combo of turmeric extract and ginger and other natural anti-inflammatories.  The company that makes it is well-respected.  I 1st read about it on Dr. Weil’s website:  http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA252779/  and http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA142972/  

 

I mainly bought it b/c I was getting tired of putting ginger in all my evening meals.  :-)

I dont think those would effect your labs unless they really are reducing inflammation then maybe your sed rate would be normal but it shouldnt produce a false negative. It is always important to list all of the supplements and vitamins that you are taking.Again, sorry to sound like a broken record, those of you on Prednisone, MTX, and other immuno-supressive drugs need to be exceptionally cautious about herbs.  The mfg process is unregulated.  Any part of these which might be contaminted in the growth, harvest or mfg process could spell big trouble.  Although people whose immune systems are healthy generally don't have a problem, those of us who do not have robust immune systems must be aware and think about the potential ramifications.
I have to agree  with VTmtngirl, although I have taken the glucosomine, I have not been able to take the other hebs to due the fact I am very allergic to mold and a variety of plants. But if it works for you, that is fine, caution is the key and always make sure your RD and PCP know all the supplements you are taking.Thanks for the info about Zyflamind.  I will ask my doctor about it.  I always worry about interactions because I have had such a hard time tolerating my meds.  Good info.  Thanks.  Yes, I forget because I am not on meds yet.  I have a long list of what I am taking as far as natural therapies go to show my doctor at my Monday appointment. I wouldn't want to get anyone on something that hurts them in anyway.  I take these because I haven't had a doctor at all -- and more out of desperation.


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