Does this sound like a Crohns flare?
Hi. I am new to this forum but not to Crohns. I was diagnosed 41 yrs ago (Wow..I can’t believe it’s been that long!) at 16yrs old. I had been on everything but biológics which was what the direction my Dr. was moving until I stumbled upon LDN. I have been on it for 10-12 years and have been pretty much in remission since... or at least symptom free! A few weeks ago I started having a lot of gas…which produced either yellowish/tanish floating blobs or clear liquid sometimes tinged pink or red.. being worse in the morning upon waking And eventually a normal bowel movement. This has been going on everyday now with occasional soft stool. It’s been so long since I have had a real flare. Usually in the past I would have multiple urgent trips to the bathroom with diarrhea. .. but this is not that. Does any of this sound like something any of you have experienced?
A couple of things that I have thought may be contributing are: At the moment I have an infected impacted wisdom tooth which I will be having surgery for (no antibiotics taken) I also had pork which I had to handle raw and also made a kale salad which I massaged and I was concerned at the time if I had washed my hands well enough. I also have internal hemorrhoids. I was able to get in to my Drs office today and saw the PA. They took blood and scheduled a colonoscopy. She thought it was imperative that I got in ASAP. Thank you for any reply’s and/or input. I am kinda nervous.
Sorry you are dealing with these symptoms. I think a colonoscopy is a good idea. Make sure they take biopsies. When the onset of these symptoms happened, was there any change in your diet or lifestyle going on? I find that even stress can trigger symptoms. -Elizabeth (team member)
Thank you for the reply. Yes. My youngest is graduating HS senior nights…lots of “last” that have been emotional…As well as a lot of visiting family.
that certainly is an emotional period in time. Please feel free to check back in any time to let us know how you are doing. We care and are here to support you in any way we can. Sending hugs. -Jessica, IBD Team Member
Well…my fecal calprotectin test came back high at 340.
The nurse called and told me that I have slightly elevated liver enzymes…which I have had for the last few years on and off but a normal liver ultrasound, and need to retest in 4-6 weeks. She didn’t say anything in regards to the other test.
I am a nervous person and always thinks the worst…googling for hours the meaning of high calprotectin! It’s the first time I have ever taken that test. I read that IBD is usually in the much higher range…and lower 200/300 more serious.
Anyone have similar results or any insight?
I can imagine how unnerving seeing that number can be, @Belle1, but that is pretty common for IBD patients who are experiencing active disease/flares. When do you have a follow up with your doctor? Are you able to ask questions with the nurse or your doctor by phone or the patient portal? It might put your mind at ease to at least discuss the results before your next appointment. Please keep us posted!
--Julie (Team Member)
That is elevated but to put you at ease I once had a fecal calprotectin in the 4,000's. That was incredibly alarming. My last test I was 720. Try to eat foods that help lower inflammation. CBD oil is also great with lowering inflammation. -Elizabeth (team member)
Just a follow-up incase it might help others with similar symptoms. My colonoscopy was this morning. There are spotty areas of inflammation and an active Crohns flare in the rectum area explaining the symptoms I had. I was prescribed a suppository and the Dr. said it should clear up
pretty quickly. We will schedule an office visit soon to discuss diet, non prescription and prescription treatments to add to the LDN. Thank you for your responses and help!
