My 15 YO daughter is preparing for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego in the next couple of weeks. The reason is that she had a bleeding stool with no pain bright red in color. The pediatric gastro performed all the blood and stool tests and came up with nothing, "except" a high reading of 700 on the Calprotectin stool test. Her condition was an acute case and shortly went away with no further problems. We changed her diet to whole wheat and high fiber in the morning. She has always taken stool softeners for constipation problems. She is a nervous kid in general with all the pressures of school performance. The doctor wanted to do the scopes right after the testing results but I requested another Calprotectin test be administered to check the reliability of the first test. We did that and the results are higher at 1100. I requested a different lab do the test. Now she IS setup for the test and I am on board with it. With no symptoms whatsoever in regards to any gastrointestinal problems other than the bleeding stool for a week two months ago what is up? These doctors and their nurses give out very little info and sound so rushed every time one is on the phone with them. My research has come to a stop and now I am looking to the sufferers of these IBD's for answers. What do ya got?
15 YO Daughter
- Thread starter stktrader
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Fecal calprotectin can indicate whether there is inflammation in the guts. I am not sure, but possibly something like a stomach bug, or irritation from her constipation or the stool softeners could have contributed to the bleeding and the high calprotectin. It does seem odd that she has no other symptoms, if it was IBD I would expect her to have other symptoms too.
I did find an article that says false positives on the calprotectin are associated with aspirin or NSAID (painkillers like ibuprofen) use- these drugs are also known for irritating the digestive system. Does/did your daughter take these often? Or maybe she had a cold or something around the time of the tests, and used them a lot for a short time?
I did find an article that says false positives on the calprotectin are associated with aspirin or NSAID (painkillers like ibuprofen) use- these drugs are also known for irritating the digestive system. Does/did your daughter take these often? Or maybe she had a cold or something around the time of the tests, and used them a lot for a short time?
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Its certainly hard to believe that something could be wrong when the symptoms just don't line up!
My understanding is that calprotectin is a reliable indicator of intestinal inflammation, however, as was said above, not necessarily from Crohns or UC.
But, having said that, many people with Crohns show few of the 'typical' symptoms. My son had recurring fever/diarrhea for a few days, then better, then sick, then better, off and on for two months. No pain, no blood, no nausea (except with very high fever). However, some of his other symptoms that I did not realize could indicate Crohns were - weight loss, anaemia, having naps, canker sores and a sore back (usually upper back!).
There are many other EIMs (Extra Intestinal Manifestations) that sometimes seem to be more prevalent in some patients (http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=81). A look through the EIM subforum and the Your Story subforum may provide you with some information through the experiences of others (http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5).
Also, look around the Parents of Kids w/IBD subforum (http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49) - there are many knowledgeable, supportive parents who will certainly understand your concerns.
Good luck! Ask lots of questions - you will find many helpful and well informed members here to help!
My understanding is that calprotectin is a reliable indicator of intestinal inflammation, however, as was said above, not necessarily from Crohns or UC.
But, having said that, many people with Crohns show few of the 'typical' symptoms. My son had recurring fever/diarrhea for a few days, then better, then sick, then better, off and on for two months. No pain, no blood, no nausea (except with very high fever). However, some of his other symptoms that I did not realize could indicate Crohns were - weight loss, anaemia, having naps, canker sores and a sore back (usually upper back!).
There are many other EIMs (Extra Intestinal Manifestations) that sometimes seem to be more prevalent in some patients (http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=81). A look through the EIM subforum and the Your Story subforum may provide you with some information through the experiences of others (http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5).
Also, look around the Parents of Kids w/IBD subforum (http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49) - there are many knowledgeable, supportive parents who will certainly understand your concerns.
Good luck! Ask lots of questions - you will find many helpful and well informed members here to help!
David
Co-Founder
Greetings and welcome to the forum!
She DOES have other symptoms. Constipation and anxiety. Constipation can be a symptom of IBD and anxiety can be a result of nutritional issues related to IBD.
I think it's good that you're getting the colonoscopy and endoscopy. Let's hope that it turns out to be nothing though
Please keep us updated.
She DOES have other symptoms. Constipation and anxiety. Constipation can be a symptom of IBD and anxiety can be a result of nutritional issues related to IBD.
I think it's good that you're getting the colonoscopy and endoscopy. Let's hope that it turns out to be nothing though
Please keep us updated.
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