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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What could an abnormal immune result indicate?

    Related Topic
    Immunology
    I requested a blood test for my immune system some months back The receptionist at my doctors said it was abnormal and I should see the doc soon. I haven't been able to afford to see my gp since? I lost all my body hair Jan 2012 after taking methotrexate for eczema. I am struggling with every day going out in public and get chest pains daily. I think its stress. I am on meds for asthma. Do you think I should be concerned? until recently I I did tske cymbalta for depression until recently.
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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    I think that you should talk with your GP about what the blood tests have shown about your immune system. Ask lots of questions.

    If you need help in translating his/her answers please feel free to contact me at sbe@iinet.net.au (because of my day job I know a lot of immunology).

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  • lancslass

    HealthShare Member

    When I called the receptionist told me it just says abnomal and to see the doc. I have struggle to talk directly to my GP, she is always busy or with a patient or has just left.  My calls are never returned.   Is it possible to accces this information without me actually seeing my doc so I can ask for further advice elsewhere.     

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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    I don't know much about the legal position (perhaps a health professional member could comment here?) but I would hope that you are entitled to see the results of your tests.

    I suggest that you get back to the receptionist, asking to be sent a copy of them.

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  • lancslass

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you so much for your guidance.   I contacted my surgery again and got told my GP is moving so they gave me the details of what the test result was over the phone.

    I had an abmornal CRP test.   I have googled this and it is a bit of a mine field.  
    Do you think it is connected  to my other symptons, complete body hair loss (for over a year now) I get the smell of ash in my nose a lot and chest pains…  

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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    I am guessing that your CRP levels are unusually high.
     
    Short-term (acute) elevated CRP levels happen when somebody has an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial).
     
    Under these circumstances the job of CRP is to help the immune system get rid of the source of the infection. Once that has happened CRP levels return to normal, on a time-scale of days.
     
    Long-term (chronic) elevated CRP levels are more complicated. They are associated with cardio-vascular disease - here your chest pains may be relevant.
     
    I suggest that you wait for a week or so and get your CRP level measured again. If it is normal, all is good - that just means that you had an infection which your immune system took care of.
     
    If it is still high then a full clinical investigation of signs of possible cardio-vascular disease would be a good idea.

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  • elfi

    HealthShare Member

    Please do not delay medical treatment if you suffer chest pains. Just go to the Emergency Department today. It is free and you will have an answer within a few hours. They may or may not find a problem but will ensure your safety. The recommendations are that you never ignore chest pain - it is to close to the heart, which is kind of important organ :) . It is dangerous to ignore chest pain so please look after yourself this one time and have it checked right now. Hundreds of people are presenting daily with chest pains to hospitals, so please do not worry that your problem is not significant enough. So, will you go? 

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