CRP Archives | Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior

Rheumatoid Arthritis CRP Levels

February 21, 2017October 5, 2019 Kelly O'Neill 26 Comments CRP, Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Why look at rheumatoid arthritis CRP levels? C-reactive protein, commonly called CRP, is a protein that can be produced by the liver in response to other immune activity, especially the increase of IL-6. CRP can rise quickly in response to many inflammatory conditions such as infections or injury, helping clear out dying cells or bacteria. Blood tests for...Continue reading 26 Comments » Read more

Inflammation and Thomas the Tank Engine

June 20, 2011May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 37 Comments CRP, Humor with RA, Rheumatoid Arthritis test

Today, my Roo is six years old. Saturday, I went shopping with Mary Khris to buy supplies to create a little Thomas the Tank Engine party. Since I can’t draw characters with icing any more, we look for ways things can be used creatively. I found some lightweight rubber train engines (actually bath toys!) that we...Continue reading 37 Comments » Read more

Using CRP in Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials

May 15, 2011May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 47 Comments CRP, Measuring rheumatoid disease activity, Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials

To people with an incurable disease, clinical trials signify the possibility of a cure. Perhaps my suffering will end one day. Someone is looking for answers. Someday my prince will come. Research matters to patients Most patients I know read with interest headlines about their disease. They trust medications that have been recommended to them because of effectiveness...Continue reading 47 Comments » Read more

The Beginning of an RA Clinical Trial Journey

December 10, 2010May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 30 Comments Courage & living with RA, CRP, Professional patient, Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials

An RA clinical trial coordinator tests my talents I’ve always had some special talents. Like …making things look easy …making strangers smile ...keeping secrets. More superpowers? Sometimes, I can make everyone mad at once…with a clear conscience …and everyone’s best interest at heart. It’s not easy, but I manage. My most special skill? Just look at the genius...Continue reading 30 Comments » Read more

Evidence and Truth: WTF (Where’s the Fact?)

December 9, 2010May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 24 Comments CRP, History of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis test

Inconsistency bothers me. When I’m interviewed, I answer that I wanted to build this website because there is so much “wrong” information about Rheumatoid Arthritis. Too many common generalizations are actually incorrect. Truth about RA can be hard to find. Maybe this is an explanation in part. I read something amazing today on The Scientist: Evidence:...Continue reading 24 Comments » Read more

All I Want for Christmas Is My CRP

December 3, 2010May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 35 Comments Blood test for RA/ Rheumatoid Disease, CRP, Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials, Talking to doctors

I thought I’d finally gotten out of Rheumatoid Arthritis / CRP purgatory, but I was wrong. I got an early Christmas present after I got back from the ACR meeting, I got a certified letter from my rheum doc. It said I couldn’t have any more Actemra infusions because my insurance company would not pay properly. It...Continue reading 35 Comments » Read more

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis Damage?

June 30, 2010May 15, 2018 Kelly O'Neill 26 Comments CRP, Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis

The sabre rattling of Rheumatoid Arthritis damage Do you ever look down at the invisible stabbing pain and wonder what’s going on inside your joints? Do you wonder whether damage is occurring when you feel your joints sticking or twisting or popping? Or red or puffy? What exactly causes Rheumatoid Arthritis damage? Over the years, some have...Continue reading 26 Comments » Read more