Under investigation/Help :)

[thesophfiles]

Hi I am currently under investigation for IBD, I have had a slightly high reading of C-reactive protein (28mg) and FCP (fecal calprotectin) at 253 and these results have stayed around the same over two tests in a span of a few months from each other.

I was wondering if these results are too low to show I have IBD or whether these are my sort of baseline results as both sets were done when I was in remission. Also I don't get a lot of blood like other people, just a bit on the tissue sometimes so I'm not sure.

Any diagnosis advice/experiences would be nice

[FRreedman]

The Calprotectin (faeces) test indicates towards IBD. Basically, the higher the number, the more likely there is inflammation, the more likely Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Generally, anything over 150 is regarded as a positive sign for IBD, however, on this site alone, we have had reports of up to about 3000, so, on that basis, it would appear that you have inflammation,but not massively inflamed. The fact th at you have a mile inflammation (at present) would suggest further testing is necessary to confirm or deny the diagnosis, but from your comments, I would have thought that you have been confirmed, and are more interested in how bad does it appear to be? Again, the only one who can answer this, with a degree of confidence, is your GI team or Gastroenterologist. My personal view is you are in remission from IBD, and will, hopefully, remain so for a long time. Good luck.

[thesophfiles in reply to FRreedman]

Hi there, I've had problems with my bowel movements for about 5 years now, I was diagnosed with IBS but it got worse last year so now I'm being investigated for IBD. My main concerns that made me think it was worse than IBS was sometimes I'd get water like diarrhoea and blood when I wipe (it's not as much blood as most people get though). I think I've in remission for a little while (maybe a few months) but during that time I have fainted and vomited for no reason but my stomach hurting a lot. I have my colonoscopy and ultrasound coming up soon so I should know soon. Many thanks for sharing!

[Maceygrey]

I have had IBD for 2 yrs. my readings tend to be around 600 when at worst and as low as 120 when more settled. I’ve never passed blood but following a colonoscopy in 2018 I had my diagnosis of crohns/colitis. I am on pentasa and lansoprazole, have had 3 courses of steroids the 3rd of which did help but it had a negative effect on my bone density. I’ve had 2 hips replaced (diagnosed well before my Collitis) and so now I fear taking more steroids. I’ve just seen my consultant and have been prescribed immunosuppressive drugs. Presently not taking them as I have concerns about side effects.

I am looking at nite natural ways to help going forward. I do struggle to manage my symptoms but as I work from home it’s much easier for me to manage than so many working in offices or driving etc.

I did find the keto diet significantly helped me as it causes the body to produce natural anti inflammatories but I struggled to sustain this diet. I hope you find your way. This is a very difficult condition and there are no easy answers but I believe everyone has to find what works for them. Good luck.

[thesophfiles in reply to Maceygrey]

Hi there, thanks for sharing.

I've been a pescatarian for 5 years now, even when I had undiagnosed IBS/IBD I just found eating meat really upset my stomach and also dairy. I usually have oat milk and vegan cheese which helped somewhat however my symptoms have still got progressively worse over time hence why I'm here.

Diet can't really prevent symptoms of IBD so probably best to just eat what feels good to you and take whatever medicine your doctor prescribed