Calprotectin test

[JennaShi]

Found a place that you can request order this test from and finally got my results back.

Results are 77 range <50. So question is, has anyone been in the borderline zone and it turned into something more? Dealt with what I think to be gastroenteritis 4/5 days after test and today horrible stomach pains, runny nose, sore throat, and no episode so I’m curious if an infection raised the level. This is all still very new. On the other side however, have had iron issues constantly and need to take supplements. Any advice appreciated. Will see if my gp will test me again in 4-6 weeks

[FRreedman]

If your results are 77, it is unlikely your GP will retest as the chances of you having any form of IBS is minimal and IBD is almost nonexistent.

[JennaShi in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you FReedman, she says I have IBS due to on and off symptoms (constipation and diarrhea stomach pain, cramps, chills) that have been reoccurring. But I can see what you mean by it looking almost nonexistent with a number like that as others have been way higher. I’m thinking it may have been slightly elevated due to gastroenteritis.

[RaulP1]

Hi JennaShi,

I had a calprotectin test and it was 64. My doctor has booked my colonoscopy at the same time, so regardless of my results I did have a colonoscopy and they found mild patchy redness in my colon. So there is some form of inflammation. They took biopsies and results came back as mild patchy inflammation. I still don't know what's causing it and I have been referred to hospital for more tests. So my answer is, not sure... my GP said that due to the mild patchy redness...she would feel more comfortable will be getting it checked out properly as IBS wouldn't really raise the calprotectin levels.

[JennaShi in reply to RaulP1]

I hope you get you get more answers soon. Has this been going on for a while now? It seems like there are a few reasons for raised calprotectin levels and ibs isn’t one of them (agreeing with your statement). Have you tested for anca or asca? I would be interested to know your colonoscopy results. I have autoimmune gastritis and still can’t get a referral from my gp even though my first gastro doc wasn't very helpful and had to do the research and request tests elsewhere. Still have alot of unknowns. It sounds like you have a good doctor.

[RaulP1 in reply to JennaShi]

Thank you! I hope so to. Yes for 5 years I’ve had a weird sensitive stomach. It hasn’t got worse in that time but yeah it’s very frustrating. Was hoping the colonoscopy was going to give me the answer straight away. My colonoscopy was clear apart from very mild patchy redness. The biopsy result just said mild patchy inflammation - check for possible infection. So not sure tbh. My Gp is good but I think it’s because I refuse to not get it checked properly, so I keep bugging her hahah.

[Viklou]

Mines been over 700 and still IBS xxx However its normally between 150 & 300 whenever tested and I've had a few

[RaulP1 in reply to Viklou]

I hope that’s the case with mine too but I’m concerned it’s not. Only cause they’ve actually seen mild patchy inflammation during the colonoscopy.

[JennaShi in reply to Viklou]

Wow really? They haven’t looked into it further? I’m surprised as IBS (according to the web) does not cause high calprotectin levels. What are you going to do?

[Viklou in reply to JennaShi]

IBS doesn't cause weight loss, occasional bleeding, vomiting, random joint pain/swelling or mouth ulcers either but I've had an MRI and Colonoscopy, both clear. They were talking about a pill cam but as my calprotectin came down from around 700 to under 300, the consultant is speaking to his colleagues to see if they are going to actually do anything else. He also said about doing another Colonoscopy to try and get biopsies from terminal ilieum. At the minute I've no idea if anything is going to happen as my appointment was moved back from next week to another 5 weeks away. I just feel like managing day to day and hope over time things settle down. Not sure as my particular issues just maybe the way I am. Calprotectin is the only thing that shows inflammation. Bloodwork is always ok in that department. I don't want to think about stuff they can't find and I'm not flaring at the minute and never do when these tests happen. I think this needs to be a whole lot worse before anything is done and sadly it either will or won't. Too knackered to think too much about it to be honest and not sure about going back to be messed about. Just had enough really

[JennaShi in reply to Viklou]

I’m surprised by their response to your symptoms and still your level. I don’t know very much at all about either Crohns or UC but I’ve seen others in other groups mention numbers like 300 and say it’s high. I wonder if like you said it goes higher when your digestive system is in an even more upset state. I do think it’s wrong that they wont give you an official diagnosis. It seems like all the information is there! I’m sorry, it sounds like you have been through alot (not feeling well and the process with the doctors).

[Viklou in reply to JennaShi]

Personally for now I'm glad it's not anything to worry about. I sometimes think, is IBS really this bad when it hurts but reading others on here I'm not on my own with it. There's not much that I can do except watch what I eat and manage the symptoms the best I can. I'm still working and my bosses know I have issues and they're great. When in flares I can work from home. I love my job and I'm charge of my own diary so I don't arrange meetings normally before 10am. I carry most stuff with me if I do travel far. Someone asked why I have a duvet and pillows in the boot lol. Plus a bucket, loo roll, spare clothes and underwear and a couple of pull ups for if the ugly pops out unexpectedly

[JennaShi in reply to Viklou]

I’m glad you’re not terribly worried and that you in good company (although unfortunate circumstances). And it sounds like you have a wonderful work environment and boss!

Lol, haha yes, you never know! That’s great you’re prepared. I also carry wipes and have considered bringing an extra pair of pants!

I lnow you didn’t ask for my advice but incase your considering it for the future, something that helped me with my gastro doc was sending him really good reference science backed articles that explained the condition and through that he said that he thought it sounded very similar to what I experiencing. And just sharing that ai recognize that I wasnt a doctor but really appreciated it if looked at them and he graciously did. I wouldn’t have gotten to One of my diagnosis’ if he didn’t take a look. But I recognize not all doctors are kind or open to looking at information we patients send them.

[RaulP1 in reply to JennaShi]

Well I’ve been referred for more tests in March. So will see what happens. My GP isn’t very concerned because my biopsies didn’t show any changes that are usually present with crohns and colitis. I think because I keep annoying my GP, she’s just thought to refer me to clear it up once and for all.

[Idalmis]

I was diagnosed with IBS and UC. On Pentasa but had calprotectin test last week as I was bleeding. It’s 8 and the bleeding is piles. So relieved. Does that mean I am in remission?

[JennaShi in reply to Idalmis]

Hi Idalmis, woah, from your description it doesn’t sound like your in remission but I don’t know much about UC. Have you talked tp your doctor? All the blood sounds like your body is trying to tell you something. Has this been normal for

You?

[Idalmis]

Yes it is piles

[DLGJ]

I was diagnosed with UC in December and my cal protection was off the scale over 2000. Personally I wouldn’t be too concerned about that number

[Dtjt in reply to DLGJ]

Just had my cal test back its 1911. I started with diarrhoea for 2 days and abdo pain in left side but 4 weeks on I'm constipated with really bad right side and abdo pain and back pain with nausea every second of the day. I've had a fit test and no blood or infection. Waiting to see a gastroenteritis specialist but feel ill every day really worried about it. What was your symptoms with cal over 2000. I'm almost certain I've got either IBD or worse.