Raised CRP and symptoms

[Natalie1982]

Hi guys, hoping for a bit of advice and support. Ive been having loads of symptoms since December 2020 and originally it was GI issues fullness, lump in throat feeling, all acid reflux/gerd type things. I had what the doctor calls a panic attack which i have never suffered from before because my floating ribs went inti spasm randomly. I was put on lansoprazole and felt better GI wise, but they obviously didn't agree with me because i started having bowel problems. I had an colonoscopy which was all fine and biopsies showed nothing.

Ive been fine for the last 3 months and all of a sudden its back again. Gerd/acid reflux, dizziness, light headed, headaches (not major), losing more hair than normal skin sensitivity (red blotchy checks and chest), nails feel brittle, weight loss (due to gerd/reflux) generally feeling rough.

Ive had bloods done and all have shown raised CRP levels but nothing else.

Jan 19 crp, one week later it had lowered to 9. I have had another done this week and its back up to 12. I did have a high calprotectin (316) when i had bowel issues but the consultant suggested this may have been because of the medication not agreeing with me as my FIT test was fine.

I guess im confused as it all seemed to go and come back.

Apologies for whittling on. Any advise would be great.

[TeaandToast94]

Hi Natalie, sorry that you’re having so much difficulty getting answers. CRP is a transient thing as it is released when our body fights infection. Your CRP readings (whilst outside normal ranges) are quite low, but I’m sure your docs would have discussed this with you and if they haven’t it might be worth having a chat with them. You mention you have all other tests come back negative by which I’m assuming you mean the specifics like anti Ds-DNA and ESR etc etc, in which case I’d pose a couple of questions to your doctors:

- if you don’t think this is lupus / autoimmune then what do you think it is?

- this is all well and good, but where do I go from here in terms of getting help for my very real and troubling symptoms?

And see where you go from that point, do you have a consultation coming up? Even if over the phone?

The confusion and uncertainty is always so worrying isn’t it and it’s stressful too when you just want answers and to feel better. I really hope things work out for you very soon, sending soothing vibes your way.