Seeking Insight on Possible IBD Flare-Ups
Hello everyone, I'm a 23-year-old woman who has been grappling with severe digestive issues since I was 14. My experiences have included intense abdominal discomfort, frequent nausea, and persistent diarrhea, which led to numerous hospitalizations during my childhood. Despite consistently high inflammation levels in my tests, healthcare professionals dismissed my condition as merely "irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)." In recent months, my condition has deteriorated significantly, with symptoms that no longer subside. A troubling aspect is the persistent presence of mucus in my stools, which appear thick, sticky, and are often colored yellow, orange, or brown; at times, there’s also blood. The consistency of my stool has become bulky, mushy, or loose, and I regularly notice undigested food mixed in. Abdominal pain has intensified, particularly near my navel and increasingly to my left side. Additionally, I frequently experience sudden fevers reaching around 38.5°C, and I consistently run a low-grade fever. The color of my stools often leans towards yellowish-green. Recent blood tests have revealed some alarming results: - Hemoglobin: 7.4 (just below the normal range) - White blood cells: 13 (elevated count) - Lymphocyte percentage: 17 (low count) - Potassium: 3.7 (on the lower end) - CRP: consistently between 6 and 30, never below 6 (high) - Albumin: at 50 (low) - Alpha-1-globulin: 7 (high) - Alpha-2-globulin: 14 (high) - Neutrophils: 9 (high) I have already undergone a gastroscopy, which indicated mild inflammation, and I have a colonoscopy appointment scheduled for next week. I'm curious whether I might be dealing with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) given that, although my calprotectin levels are normal, my blood work points to significant inflammation. Typically, IBS doesn’t result in these blood alterations or fevers. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms? What were your blood results and calprotectin levels upon diagnosis? Is it feasible to have IBD even if calprotectin remains low but with notable inflammation present in other blood markers? I’m looking forward to any insights or shared experiences.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 8:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience; it sounds quite challenging. The symptoms you're describing, including severe abdominal pain, mucus in stools, blood, fever, and your recent blood test results indicating inflammation, indeed raise concerns about the possibility of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms and lab results suggest a deeper issue that may require further evaluation.
- While your calprotectin levels are normal, IBD can still occur; the diagnosis often relies on a combination of symptoms, lab results, and imaging studies.
- Preparing for your upcoming colonoscopy is crucial, as it will provide more insights into the state of your colon.
Explanation:
- IBD vs. IBS: IBD typically causes more severe inflammation and symptoms than IBS. You correctly noted that IBD can present with elevated inflammatory markers and fever, which are not characteristic of IBS.
- Calprotectin Levels: Although calprotectin is a helpful marker for inflammation in the intestine, it’s not the only marker to consider. Some patients have IBD with normal calprotectin levels but present with significant symptoms and laboratory findings indicating inflammation.
- Symptoms: The presence of blood and mucus in your stools, along with your other symptoms, indicates that further evaluation through the colonoscopy is warranted. This procedure will help visualize any abnormalities and confirm whether you have IBD.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for the Colonoscopy:
- Follow any preparatory instructions your healthcare provider gives you closely. This will help ensure clear results.
- Keep a symptom diary documenting your pain levels, stool characteristics, and any other relevant symptoms. This information can be valuable for your doctor.
-
Track and Manage Symptoms:
- Focus on hydration, especially if you're experiencing diarrhea, to avoid dehydration.
- Consider a bland diet until your symptoms stabilize; foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast can be easy on the digestive system.
-
Follow-Up After Results:
- After your colonoscopy, discuss the findings thoroughly with your healthcare provider. If IBD is confirmed, they will discuss treatment plans involving medication to manage inflammation and symptoms.
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Monitor Blood Work:
- Continue regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood levels, especially your hemoglobin and markers of inflammation. Low hemoglobin may require attention to avoid anemia.
It’s understandable to feel concerned, especially given the severity of your symptoms and history. You're taking the right steps forward by seeking answers and focusing on your health. Please let me know if you have any more questions or need further clarification on any specific points.
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