Newbie

[Ricycle]

Hi all, I'm new on here. Here is my background. A month ago I started with the following symptoms.

Flatulance with follow through watery, bloody feaces. Usually the blood was pinkish in colour but a few times it was bright red, this coincided with a feeling of urgency to go. I did not pass a normal stool for 2 weeks. 

I visited the doctor who did an internal examination, she confirmed there was blood present and referred me to the specialist suspecting cancer.  She also asked for a stool sample.

For the last three days bowel movements have returned to normal I have not noticed any blood.

 The calprotectin report came back at 965 which suggests IBD. I had my appointment with the specialist yesterday and he has requested a colonoscopy.

I would like to know, now my symptoms have subsided will the procedure still show where any inflammation has been or is it likely to come back clear? Does the fact that I have had no stomach pains suggest that it could be cancer rather than IBD? I am trying to stay positive especially as symptoms have improved. 

Sorry for the long winded post but if anyone has any thoughts about my situation I'd love to hear from you, thanks for reading

S x

[willow24 Administrator]

Hi, all I can say if symptoms have subsided it is less likely to be cancer - Inflammatory bowel disease however will have its flare ups, with episodes of no symptoms. this is probably why it is often misdiagnosed in early disease as upset stomach/virus or IBS.

when you have the colonoscopy they will take biopsies of the bowel wall, even if this doesnt look inflamed the cells are different so will highlight IBD.

please let me know how you get on x

[Ricycle in reply to willow24]

Thank you willow24 for your response, it puts my mind at rest somewhat. The waiting is always the hardest part. I will report back as soon as I have my results. x

[Ricycle in reply to willow24]

@willow24 Hi sorry it's taken so long to get back to you but you know what it's like waiting for results. I was informed that I had proctitis after the colonoscopy but was awaiting the biopsy results. The letter from the hospital came today states that the biopsies taken during colonoscopy show features of microscopic colitis and they have reported that quiescent IBD cannot be excluded given the calproctectin level of 965. They have suggested that my GP prescribes me Mesalazine suppositories for 3-4weeks as a precaution and they are also referring me to gastroenterology to take over my care. My GP has not contacted me as yet.

I have thankfully not had any problems since the month long episode in April/May, I'm not sure whether I really need the suppositories if I'm ok. What should I expect from the gastro clinic?

S x

[willow24 Administrator]

HI hun,

It certainly wont hurt to use the suppositories, if they are suggesting quiescent IBD It could flare up any time, just a common cold can affect IBD. or keep them until you feel symptoms are starting again.

I would also see your GP or ring them up - in my experience some GP's wont ring you, they expect you to go to them.

Hope you get to see Gastro ASAP. Good to know you finally have some answers and your feeling well x

[Ricycle in reply to willow24]

Thank you willow24, I will give my GP a ring tomorrow. Maybe i should just use the medication offered because i didnt get any warning that anything was wrong last time it came on all of a sudden. Have you any idea what will happen at the gastroenterology appointment? Are they likely to do more tests, if so what?

S x

[willow24 Administrator in reply to Ricycle]

they will take down history of illness - so I suggest writing things down now and add things as you remember. You may need a more detailed colonoscopy that goes right around large bowel and perhaps a CT. these will be done as an out patient. so you will have time to prepare etc.

Once you get a gastro appointment you can ring and ask to be put on cancellation list so chance appointment will be brought forward.

keep me posted x

[Ricycle in reply to willow24]

Will do willow24, thank you x

[Ricycle in reply to willow24]

Hi willow24' I finally had my gastro appointment yesterday and even though I've been symptom free the Dr will not rule out IBD, he suspects UC and has requested another faecal calprotectin test. He is also passing me over to IBD specialist nurse team to be seen in a couple of months. I have not taken any medication up to now but he says if the test is raised to start taking them immediately. I feel that I am taking up valuable NHS time and I was rather hoping that my symptoms were a one-off. Do you happen to know whether the calprotectin level is always raised in someone with IBD or only during a flair?

X

[willow24 Administrator in reply to Ricycle]

during inflammation results will be raised. if everything has been settled for a while results will be normal. with UC and crohns people can go months or years without flare ups. hope you get answers soon x

[Ricycle in reply to willow24]

Thank you for your reply willow24, I'm presuming nothing will show up on the test and I'll just have to wait and see what happens in the future. X