CT scan instead of gastroscopy / colonoscopy with all PA tests normal

[Applethorpe]

My Active B12 was just about into the sufficient range. My H Pylorii was negative, as was anti IFAB and coeliac. Homocysteine was fine too.

My neurologist’s physical exam was normal ( though the sharp stimulus was a little less sharp on the feet. )

I have been taking sublingual B12 and the tingling feet and fingers have improved, but not gone.

I’m confused about taking folate so I’ve been taking a supermarket B complex plus Marmite.

I’m still on omeprazole.

My GP referred for a gastroscopy but then the FIT stool test came back full of blood so I have been referred for a colonoscopy too. My GP does not think it’s cancer but I have been referred urgently.

My overall health is so poor ( eg sedation could have a bad effect ) that I have asked if I can have a CT scan instead and I will see the consultant about this at the weekend.

My grandad had a duodenal ulcer and his stomach used to swell up, which I’ve had too.

Any thoughts about this ? Are these overt gastrointestinal symptoms usual in PA ? What about the bleeding in the intestines ? If I end up having a scope, can they take a sample and check for autoimmune gastritis ?

I always expect the NHS to do half a job - ie check for cancer but never mind about the finer points of what type of gastritis etc.

Thanks !

[Narwhal10]

Hi Applethorpe,

I am sorry to read. I feel you are best placed to discuss the merits and your concerns of each procedure with the gastroenterologist, your symptoms, omeprazole and FIT stool test. Each procedure is used to include or exclude different conditions.

You have quite a few medical conditions and it is really important to establish where the gastrointestinal bleeding can be coming from. You can also discuss types of sedation for the procedures. A gastroenterologist will also be able to tell you if and where they are taking biopsies from.

GUTS U.K. is a charity dedicated to the gastrointestinal tract and are really very helpful.

gutscharity.org.uk

Best wishes.

🐳

[Applethorpe in reply to Narwhal10]

Thanks for the link.

Maybe they will give me some steroids for my bowel and it will sort out all my other conditions … wishful thinking !

[Jillymo]

I feel you definitely need to be seen by a gastrologist who will arrange the appropriate imaging. I'm not sure if a CT scan will show up the finer detail that needs to be looked at in the colon. I was given a gastroscopy followed by a MRN scan where I had to drink a liquid before hand. The next step is a colonoscopy because the scan showed a large part of my ilium was inflammed. I'm having the colonoscopy on Thursday to see if I have crohns.

Sometimes a capsule swollow is offered which has a tiny camera attached but not all hospitals offer this proceedure.

The bleeding could be due to the inflammation of the lining of the colon or the ilium. Gastrological symptoms do go hand in hand with PA hence our absorbtion issues............

pennmedicine.org/for-patien...

[Applethorpe in reply to Jillymo]

Good luck with the colonoscopy 🤞

MRN.. not MRI to show the ilium ?

I think I’m seeing a surgeon who will decide about the CT scan.

I had wondered about inflammatory bowel conditions but I have had vomiting without diarrhoea. I’m not sure it fits… and my GP was baffled too.

[Jillymo in reply to Applethorpe]

It was an MRN that I had where you have to drink two pints of contrast or what ever it was. It will be interesting to see what my colonoscopy shows.

You can get vomiting ..........

Symptoms may include stomach pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bleeding, feeling full, and blood in vomit or stool. In most cases, you will be given antacids and other medicines to reduce your stomach acid. Don't have foods or drinks that irritate your stomach lining.

I dont know why your Gp is baffled ! On second thought thats hardly surprising as they seem to know little about such conditions . I hope its a gastrologist your being refered to.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I hope you have supprtive doctors and that you get the answers you need.

Just wondered how H pylori was tested for.

I read that some drugs might affect result of H Pylori tests.

Search online for this UK document "NICE Dyspepsia" which should have some info about H Pylori.

Link about H Pylori

It's aimed at health professionals.

patient.info/doctor/helicob...

"as was anti IFAB and coeliac"

It's possible to have Antibody Negative PA.

Search online for this UK document "NICE CKS Anaemia - B12 and Folate deficiency" and look in Background Info - Causes section.

Diagnostic flowchart mentions Antibody Negative PA.

stichtingb12tekort.nl/engli...

Coeliac test (tTG IgA ) can be negative if

1) Patient has IgA deficiency

Check if you also had a Total IgA test which looks for IgA deficiency.

2) Person was not eating enough gluten prior to blood being tested.

Did your GP ask you to eat plenty of gluten in more than one meal per day for several weeks before testing blood?

Diagnosis of coeliac disease

coeliac.org.uk/information-...

Search for this UK document "NICE guideline Coeliac disease".

Will add more if I have time later today.

Lots more B12 info in pinned post "Various B12D/PA resources".

/

[Atheo82]

Hello,

Have a little look here

crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

I have crohns diesese, mine is located in my small intestine (ileum). I do not have blood in my stools however I do know blood in the stools is associated with Colitis.

Having a IBD does not allow you to absorb vitamins well.

Do you have any other symptoms, tummy cramps? an urgency to get to the toilet? watery stools?