Inflammatory marker

[Bent128919]

Hi, I don't post much on here because I've been trying to get a proper diagnosis from doctors for awhile now.

But i went to a GI specialist and Was told that one of my inflammatory markers was elavated and my doctor wants to do a colonoscopy. Can someone tell me what this means? ( the inflammatory part)

History: IBS - constipation
Stomach pain
Distended stomach after eating usually
Blood from straining ( only a little)
Undigested food

 

[SarahBear]

It just means they did blood work and it showed that there is inflammation present in your body, so they're going to check it out. It sounds like you're getting closer to a diagnosis!

 

[Bent128919]

Ok thanks for letting me know! Also I've been noticing a lot of mucus lately in my stools, however it's not loose stool. Hard because I'm usually constipated but the muscus cover it . Do u get this?

 

[SarahBear]

Mucus can be a sign of inflammation, as well. A lot of people with IBD experience this.

 

[Bent128919]

Ok, I'm only 20 so I'm worried. My symptoms are just All over the place so it's hard to pinpoint. May I ask how long it took for you to get a proper diagnosis and what your symptoms were?

 

[SarahBear]

What symptoms do you have, if you wouldn't mind sharing?

It actually took me nine years to get a diagnosis, but that's abnormal. My symptoms started out as mild but frequent stomach pain, which my mother dismissed, saying I just wanted to get out of school. Once my symptoms intensified, with severe pain and diarrhea, it took around a year.

 

[Bent128919]

I have a lot of stomach cramping and gurgling . Also I have horrible periods. I'm usually constipated and bloated or I go to the bathroom frequently but it's like pellet stool , and mucus is there along with indigestrd food. I get full quickly and get stomach panic after eating certain foods . I'm also very tired and my weight fluctuates .... Anything sound familiar ?

 

[SarahBear]

Do most of your symptoms occur during your period, or are they just worse at that time?

 

[Bent128919]

No they occurr all the time but worse during my period

 

[SarahBear]

Hormones can effect IBD and intensify symptoms. It's very common. Endometriosis can cause these issues as well, and is also very common, especially in women with IBD. Is your doctor thinking you have IBD? Do they have any other ideas?

Mucus, undigested food in your stool, weight changes, and pain after eating are all common symptoms of IBD and other conditions.

 

[Bent128919]

My gyno thought it could be endometriosis however she didn't want to do the surgical procedure to find out , instead she wanted me to try the shot as a form of born control to see if that would help it. However my GI thinks it could be IBD. I plan on telling my gyno about my lab results and asking that the procedure be done so that I can rule that out or figure out if that is part of the cause

 

[SarahBear]

Have you already started the shot? I personally would suggest you try another form of birth control first. The shot and the implant increase your risk of osteoporosis. If you do have IBD, that increases your risk as well. Other forms of birth control are a different hormone and do not have the same effect. Any form of birth control regulates your hormones and would help with this problem.

My GYN also doesn't want to perform the surgery unless necessary. I'd rather avoid it as well. We're keeping the shot as a last resort treatment because of the osteoporosis risk. After that, we would perform the surgery.

 

[Bent128919]

No I have not started the shot yet but this is all great to know

 

[SarahBear]

You might want to take a look around the Females - OB/GYN section of the forum. We have a thread in the Females section on endometriosis - Endometriosis Overview. If you haven't checked it out already, you might want to have a look through the Undiagnosed Club and maybe post your story there. You're also welcome to message me if you have any questions about what I've posted.