low grade inflammation CBC, ESR, platelets etc.,

Hello,
I am curious about the mechanism of inflammation and associated lab
values.
As I understand, simplistically, 
if the body is attacked by a pathogen, 
the WBC count goes up ESR goes up. The body also develops a fever to
kill the pathogens. Once the infection is successfully fought the WBC
and ESR count goes down.
My lab values had WBC's come down from 12,000 to 6,000, but my ESR
rose from V.S.G 2nd hour of 17 to 32, and katz index rose from 7.75 to
13. Quite the inverse of the WBC count. What could be the reason ?

What happens to WBC count and ESR in the case of chronic inflammation,
and someone who never gets fevers except low grade discomfort ?

Thanks
Ani