How do you know you are in remission?

[danielle.wilson411]

Hi everyone! I am recently diagnosed with Crohn's and currently in my first flare. I was just wondering how do you know when you are in remission? Does your doctor normally have tests done to show the inflammation is gone or does it normally go on your symptoms? I have read some people post that it can take years to go into remission and that is definitely a scary thing for me since I had other plans (ie starting a family within the next few years). Just wanted to get some input on this and to know if there is anything I should be asking my doctor (have an apt with him later this week). Thanks!

 

[Gianni]

Hi Danielle.

it is true that in some cases it can take many years to achieve remission but it can also be done very quickly. Your own personal symptoms are a good indicator for you to use but it is very possible for you to not be experiencing symptoms while the disease is progressing.

If you're interested in seeing if you have achieved remission or just want to check up on your inflammation numbers, ask your doctor for a fecal calprotectin test as well as a C-reactive protein test. One that your doctor may not be familiar with but is a great indicator is a fecal lactoferrin test.

Depending on those results you may want to also have a colonoscopy to make sure of your disease progression.

 

[danielle.wilson411]

Thanks Gianni! That definitely does help. I will ask him for those tests when I see him on Friday. I just want to make sure the inflammation is going away and I'm not just feeling good because of the steroids I'm on. I would rather see the inflammation is down than finding out when I go off the steroids completely and start having symptoms again because its not all gone.

 

[Gianni]

I'm not sure many people "feel good" on steroids so that's a good sign . Its always good to be sure and I would suggest you have these tests done once or twice a year to stay ahead of your disease progression.