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Calprotectin. Can it reveal IBS, IBD or more?

Posted , 2 users are following.

lizzie67
lizzie67

Hello

Ive recently had a Calprotectin test.

I wonder, if anyone else has had this and what did it reveal.

x

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • looloo43
    looloo43 lizzie67

    Posted

    Hi lizzie, they usually do a poo test for calprotectin to see if there is inflammation in your bowel. i don't know what the levels are (may find out if you google calprotectin levels) but a higher calprotectin level can indicate inflammatory bowel disease (ibd) which covers conditions like crohns disease, colitis etc. if they find a raised calprotectin level the specialists would normally do further tests to investigate/diagnose; eg colonoscopy ( a scope of the bowel to look more in depth for inflammation, polyps, ulcers). inflammatory bowel disease is different to ibs & requires medication to control flare ups. Ask away if any more questions (p.s i have colitis & ibs, so have been through these tests). it is also possible to have a normal calprotectin level & still have inflammation in your bowel. if you have blood,mucus, pain & increased bowel movements they should still do the normal spectrum of investigation (colonoscopy). calprotectin is like a 1st point indicator before they do anything else usually. hope this helps.xx
    • lizzie67
      lizzie67 looloo43

      Posted

      Thank you for replying.

      Ive had a Calprotectin test and t came back at 35 and so my GP says I have IBS.

      Ive been having loose bowels after a course of antibiotics 3 months ago.

      Im 43 and thought a bit old to be diagnosed with IBS!

      GP said I dont need any other tests.

      Im going to see a gastro doc privately this afternoon.

      Of course, Ive convinced myself Ive got bowel cancer.

      WHat was your Calprotectin level, if you dont mind me asking?

      What symptoms did you have and how come your GP referred you?  (Sorry for all the questions!)

      Thank you for answering, I really do appreciate it.

      Liz x

  • looloo43
    looloo43 lizzie67

    Posted

    Hi lizzie,

    i started with change of bowel movements- frequent urgent diarrea with blood,mucus, feeling of incomplete emptying, stomach pain, extreme tiredness, rectal pain, bloating. in oct 12 i was diagnosed with colitis following colonoscopy, & had several rectal tears over last few years caused by the symptoms. i had several poo tests over the years, & my calprotectin level was normal as far as i can remember despite showing colitis on colonoscopy biopsies taken ( i dont know what level mine was). my gp referred me to gastroenterology at local hosp to begin with- i am still under them yearly now. i am well controlled with meds. i also have ibs-diarrea dominant-fairly well controlled with expensive liquid daily probiotic & no fibre in diet (can't break it down) & little veg/no salad (can't break down the leaves & fibre in most veg). i also have fructose malabsorption so no fruit. I was also diagnosed with bile acid malabsorption which mimics some bowel conditions & am on meds for that too! but on the whole fairly well controlled with diarrea just once or twice a day now out of average 3 - 4 bowel movements a day, & no urgency or pain. Took a while to get sorted with meds & everything diagnosed but got there in the end!.... hope this helps xx

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