Diagnosing IBD
Hello. I have recently had a calprotectin stool test done which has come back positive. My GP has referred me straight to the hospital. Today I got a call back from the hospital saying a colonoscopy has been requested. I have said no to it, because no doctor or GP has actually spoken to me about what’s going on, what they suspect etc - I’m in the dark. Surely the first thing they’d want to do is to have a conversation about my symptoms etc - doesn’t it seem strange that they’re sending me straight for a colonoscopy?
Also, is there any other procedure I can request instead of a colonoscopy - I am absolutely terrified and don’t want to do something so invasive. I’ll happily do MRIs, capsule endoscopes, ultrasounds - anything just not a colonoscopy. Is there any other test I can request from the hospital? Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Hi
.
I'm not sure whether you currently have a diagnsosis, so I am going to respond assuming that you haven't, but please do correct me if I am wrong!
I agree some communication with you would have been ideal. Maybe they literally don't have anything to say because they need to have a look. I assume the calprotectin test was ordered based on your symptoms - diarrhea and abdominal pain are the most common.
Calprotectin is not something that comes back positive or negative, so I assume you mean it was high. It tests for inflammation in your intestine, so higher Calprotectin usually indicates that it is something more than a standard IBS diagnosis, but until they have a look, I think they'd just be guessing.
Personally, I would recommend going for the colonscopy, as biopsies could be what gives you your definitive diagnosis.
There are multiple tests which can be used, which you can find out more about in this article: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnostic-tests-and-procedures/
But, as I said above, biopsies being looked at under a microscope will give them a much better idea of what you are dealing with. If it is IBD, then it may be Crohn's Disease OR Ulcerative Colitis, and the treatment options can differ, so knowing what it is would give you the best chance of being treated accurately and feeling better sooner.
- Sahara (team member)Hi Sahara
I have now managed to get an appointment at the hospital to discuss it with a doctor and will then go from there - keeping my fingers crossed.
Good new
!
I will keep my fingers crossed for you too!
- Sahara (team member)
