Waiting further investigation

[Annemarie54worried]

Hi, I had gall bladder removed about 9 years ago n have had issue with constipation n bloating n upper right abdominal pain. Feel really unwell when get it n got diagnosis of IBS. I have during last seven years had bouts of passing mucus blood in stool. After colonoscopy n endoscopy diagnosed with hemorrhoid. Same thing happened in April n new young gp advised stool sample n colonoscopy. My calprotectin came back 360. But again consultant said large bowel healthy n hemorrhoid. When gp then pointed out calprotectin level consultant then says review n retest in 10 weeks. Retest calprotectin 610!! Waiting to see consultant again. Very concerned about what issue may be. My weight never changes, even when I eat little. I rend towards constipation n take laxatives as well as occasional low dose aspirin. On statins n levothyroxin. Wondering what next n why calprorectin never been read before new young gp came on scene.

My head is working overtime trying to work out what I may have n do I want a diagnosis when I have been left to get on with it for seven years. Insurance etc goes up with diagnosis.

[willow24 Administrator]

Hi, faecal calprotectin is not used in all NHS trusts yet, so obviously some are slower in others to use this technique. A raised FC of 610 would indicate IBD. I think it would be sensible for you to be sent for a colonoscopy with biopsies to rule this out or help diagnose.

However certain medications can increase FC, like non-steroidal anti inflammatory (aspirin, ibuprofen etc) and proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole etc)

constipation can cause some inflammation of the bowel due to irritation and will cause the bowel to produce more mucus to try and expel hard stools. bleeding can be caused by haemorrhoids and small tears in the bowel wall from hard stools.

It is routine to have a repeat FC if levels are above 150. Hvae you had blood tests to check your inflammatory markers?