strange symptoms

So sorry you are going through all of this. It is uneasy when you are unwell and you don't have a diagnosis, because the mind can come up with scary scenarios. I am not a medical doctor, I am just a patient who was diagnosed with both IBS and Crohn's Disease which is a form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). I can only speak from personal experience here:


First, a colonoscopy is a very important test to be had and I would make sure biopsies are taken. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive and only shows the lower part of the colonoscopy while a colonoscopy shows the entire colon. If you are going to go through the prep for me personally, I would ask for a colonoscopy to get a picture of my entire colon rather than just a small portion. It is the same prep for both.


Secondly, making sure you have a GI that has experience with IBD is a must. They know what to look for. Not all GI's have this experience. Just like with anything in life, you want to make sure you are in good hands. This is your health.


Thirdly, being that I have IBD your Calprotectin is not very alarming. It is only slightly elevated, however, could it be that something is brewing? Again, catching things early is key. But just so you have an idea, I have had my Calprotectin results be in the 1,000s and for the most part over 500. I have been feeling my best lately and my last result was in the 300s.


Fourthly, deep breathes. Do your due diligence. Get the tests done being colonoscopy, blood work and stool tests which you have mostly done. Wait for the facts, then proceed.


Fifthly, in the meantime look into diet. Diet is a huge part to this puzzle. Eat well. Get rid of processed foods. Fish is always a good idea. Steamed veggies. Broths. Soups. Fermented foods. Hydration. Get sunlight. Move your body daily. Walking is always a good idea. Sleep. Infrared light is healing. Grounding lowers inflammation. Inflammation is the root of all disease so do what you can to lower inflammation.


Lastly, reach out anytime. You can message me as well. Take it a day at a time. Keep a food journal to see if there are foods triggering the urgency. It is scary when you aren't feeling well, but this can be controlled with effort and focus. I once was going to the bathroom over 20 times a day. Weighting 79 pounds. In pain. Blood and diarrhea daily. I know how you are feeling. You aren't alone.


Big hugs,
Elizabeth (team member)


Food journal template:


https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/food-journal-download

Thank you so much! I will definitely ask for a colonoscopy now.
What you said about something brewing makes sense. When I had the 218 result I barely had any symptoms. But that was over a month ago and since then thing have progressed. Id bet the calprotectin levels would be higher now. But who knows!
Thank you that's really good advise and I really appreciate it. I walk practically all day at work and I go to the gym 3 times a week.
I'm drinking keifer, eating saurkerout (can't spell it) and taking probiotics. I'm drinking lots of water and am going to experiment with intermittent fasting. I could do with losing 6lb. My gut is a bit bigger than I like. I'm restarting regular mediation.
I will look into infrared light! And will now eat more fish!
Thank you so much, Bob.

Hi Bob, , I don't have much to add that Elizabeth hasn't already shared, but I really just wanted to reiterate that this community is here for you! It an be emotionally taxing to be dealing with health issues, especially when there isn't yet a diagnosis so the mind can go crazy with scenarios. I also wanted to share this information about getting an IBD diagnosis, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnosis, Please don't hesitate to reach out here any time, and, if you're comfortable, let us know how it goes with the doctor and what you find out. We are crossing our fingers for some answers and some quick steps to relief for you! Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Bob,
I just had to respond to your concerns. I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Crohns and subsequently had surgery called resection. I hid from this disease for years and just told myself there was nothing wrong. Big mistake! Glad to hear that you are pursuing a diagnosis. Be diligent with your doctors and testing. I find my "flares" are worse when I am stressed, anxious and I overdo. Meditation, yoga and walking are good for my mental and emotional well-being. I did not want to do biologics so after surgery I tried to manage it with steroids. I tried Humira last May when my other treatment was not working. Just recently began Skyrizi because my body developed antibodies against the Humira. Some foods definitely make my diarrhea worse. I have to watch beef, dairy, coffee, sugar, and of course no salads or raw veggies and nuts. Being an outdoor worker myself (mailman) I carried an emergency pack with tp, hand wipes, change of clothes but luckily I never had to use it. Prayers to you and reach out to people whenever you are feeling depressed or lonely. It really helps!!