Calprotectin levels and GP’s lack of concern
Hi All, I have been suffering from Abdominal pain for over 8 years without any real diagnosis and recently after a particularly severe pain attack I ended up seeing a locum doctor who sent me for a Calprotectin test. The results came back at a level of 473 ug/g! I then had to see my regular doctor who said this was quite normal and that I might have IBS! However, every website I look at including the NHS one says this level is far too high and would be more indicative of IBD and warrants further investigation. Wondering what others experience is regarding Calprotectin levels?
Hi
. Your concern and frustration are certainly understandable. I can tell you that a Calprotectin level above 250 is considered an indicator of significant inflammation (see: https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/resources/fecal-calprotectin-levels-in-crohns-and-colitis-7-facts-to-know). This may be indicative of IBD, but can be caused by other things. I noticed that you mentioning seeing your GP. A gastroenterologist has several years of additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. I want to share with you this article on the diagnostic process for IBD: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnosis. I hope this can help inform further conversations with your doctors and please feel free to keep us posted on how things are going and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member) Just had a follow up test and it was 210! Which is still very high. I have a doctor’s appointment on the 1st and am worried she will say it’s to low to warrant further investigation! And that it’s just IBS.
, I hope the upcoming doctor appointment goes well! It's understandable that you're worried about what she'll say. Please don't hesitate to push and advocate for yourself if she seems to be dismissive of your symptoms. Also, definitely ask about seeing a gastroenterologist as they specialize in these conditions. If you're comfortable, please let us know how the appointment goes on the first! Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
