Getting a diagnosis

[Jj01]

Hi I have elevated calprotectin and flexible sigmoidoscopy showed mild inflamation. At the time of the procedure I hadn't had any of my usual symptoms for a few months (bloody poo and mucus, very frequent trips to loo). This was back in October. Symptoms have now started again and GP is referring me back to gastro. Has anyone any experience of this, what can I expect as a diagnosis or will it be more unanswered questions.

[Valbaty54]

Didn't they discuss the results and the most likely cause after your earlier flare? Did you get any medication? It does sound like IBD (colitis) so when you see the Gastro again, do ask as many questions as you can. Hope you don't have to wait too long!

[Jj01 in reply to Valbaty54]

Thank you for your reply. They are really back backlogged here, so you get an endoscopy procedure before you see the gastro. I guess it's just a waiting game now.

[Frasina]

Likely to me IBD as in colitis of some sort but probably mild as the flexible sigmoidoscopy showed. I had a colonoscopy on Oct that diagnosed me with colitis but I whilst the procedure was done NHS, I had paid to see a gastroenterologist because my GP refused to write off the hospital saying I have ongoing IBS....The wait time to see consultants is well over 6 months!! Can you afford to pay as a one off to see the consultant you are under as that way you will be put on meds sooner which will help you. Plus, they can also suggest a colonoscopy if they think it is needed under the NHS...

[Jj01 in reply to Frasina]

Wow, Frasina. Your GP refused to write to the hospital, that's unbelievable. My GP has been really good at pushing the hospital for me. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to pay privately.

[Frasina in reply to Jj01]

My GP did a FIT stool test that came back negative so that was the end as far as she was concerned! The FIT would have been negative as it only looks for blood in stool and I actually have pancoloitis (mild) but not everyone with colitis has blood too! However, I had rapid weight loss over 3 weeks and lots of D so paid to see someone (£200) and it was money well spent. The gastroenterologist said I could have a colonoscopy on the NHS as urgent because of my weight loss and it was done the following week. I had to pay for a follow up (£100) and meds given on private prescription were converted to NHS through my surgery... The lady who did my colonoscopy said I would need a follow up NHS appointment which came through for the end of April this year and my procedure was mid Oct last year! That means I would have waited over 6 months for any medication so for me I a glad I paid to get the ball rolling...