Second opinion? Calprotectin levels.

[Eviet835]

My recent colonoscopy showed inflammation only in my rectum. I’ve had bleeding since beginning of December which is what prompted my testing. I have no pain . Just occasional urgency. My symptoms have actually subsided all last week. However, I’ve been under stress since my results yesterday and stomach issues since then and light blood this morning. I’m guessing the stress triggered this?

My calprotectin score came back @ 457. Doc said he can’t say if I have Crohns or UC either way as I don’t fit full Criteria for either since I’m mild. My stool test for bacterial inflections didn’t come back though. He wants to put me on a low dose of melasamine and some suppositories (short term) .

He said I have both acute and chronic signs of inflammation in my rectum. My question is : can the high calprotectin levels be as a result of bacterial infection only? I would hate to go on a med if I don’t have to and if my inflamed rectum is from a bacterial infection.

Should I get a second opinion?

[Jacko37]

Hi, last year I started to have stomach problems, with me it was diarrhoea up to 15 times a day, lots of pain and mucus. Calpotrectin was over 600 and I was referred for urgent colonoscopy. This was normal although the biopsies showed inflamation. Symptoms went on for 7 months. Then I had another calpotrectin done and the levels had gone back to normal. Consultant said that it could have been caused by a bacterial infection that took a long time to settle. Still don't really know but I've been ok since October. Hope it stays that way but would have felt better if I had known what had caused it. Hope you get better soon and get some answers. Take care, Xx

[Eviet835 in reply to Jacko37]

Thank you so much for your reply. I’m really hoping it’s like this for. I have a referral for a second opinion. The specialist I saw wasn’t the greatest I think.

[mondlee6248]

Inflammation only in rectum and it will cause bleeding as well?

[Eviet835 in reply to mondlee6248]

Hi, yes it can. I didn’t know this either. I’ve had very little blood to having what looked almost like a blood clot once . I think second opinions are always good if one has the ability to get one.

[mondlee6248 in reply to Eviet835]

So are u going to have a 2nd opinion?

[Eviet835 in reply to mondlee6248]

I am actually. I feel uncomfortable with the conflicting information I was given by the dr. . I also felt like the dr. was rushing through when I brought my questions. He seemed put off. If any dr. Is going to tell me I have a chronic disease and I need life long meds then I’d like a second opinion. The nurses during my colonoscopy were great. Unfortunately, the dr. made me feel like a patient in a factory line. Sorry...now I’m just venting 😆.

[mondlee6248 in reply to Eviet835]

Hahaha, it’s alright, I can understand but I believe there is nothing wrong with you, just that ur calprotectin is a bit high

[mondlee6248 in reply to Eviet835]

Do you still bleed with your poop?

[Eviet835 in reply to mondlee6248]

Nope! I’ve been good for 2 weeks now. However, I think it’s because I’m leaning what to eat and what not to eat to make sure I don’t trigger any bleeding. I guess I’m confused since I never had pain like most people with IBD. All was normal with me up until all of a sudden one day I had blood.

[mondlee6248 in reply to Eviet835]

Actually last year I also experienced blood in poop, that’s why I go for colonoscopy