I’m sure I have Crohns!!

[DM14]

What are the different ways to test for Crohns??

I have had blood tests which have been negative but am positive this is what I’m suffering with

[Angep]

Hi, you’d need a colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy they are able to see inside your bowel and also take biopsies. There is also a faecal cal protectin testfrom from which they can check the level of inflammation in your body. Blood tests often come back ok when actually something might be brewing if you have IBD. Keep pushing for further tests because it’s the only way to get a proper diagnosis 🤞

[DM14 in reply to Angep]

Angep thank you for your reply.

I actually did have a colonoscopy but it as about 11/12 years ago (and I can’t remember if they took biopsies)

Is it possible it was missed back then or was not bad enough to have shown?

[willow24 Administrator]

Hi,

As Angep says it requires a number of tests to diagnose crohns or ulcerative colitis. With crohns biopsies identify granuloma in the tissues of the bowel which shows there has been inflammation

A feacal calprotectin can help distinguish between IBS and IBD, but not all NHS Trusts provide this test.

Blood tests can include inflammatory markers that are raised during a flare up. Other tests can identify iron defeciency and anaemia as well as mineral and vitamin deficiencies that are seen in IBD.

CT scan or MRI can also be used to help diagnosis.

Do you mind me asking what your symptoms are? you can message me privately on the forum if you do not wish to share x

[DM14 in reply to willow24]

Hi willow24 I have private messages you x

[Crohniehound]

I'd say the only sure way is a biopsy from an affected area. Blood tests have never shown anything with me, except when I've been anaemic or really badly flaring when I was younger. For me initial colonoscopy/endoscopy showed nothing untoward, as the Crohn's began in my mouth and it was only when I had a biopsy from inside my cheek that it was confirmed.

[Frogprincess1971]

Having a Colonoscopy and a biopsy. Also,

PROMETHEUS. ® Crohn's Prognostic test is the first and only test that combines proprietary serologic and genetic. (serogenetic) markers in a logistic regression model to provide individualized probabilities for developing disease. complications after diagnosis in patients with Crohn's disease.

I hope this helps!