IS there a test for imflamation

[Sue-2009]

Okay, I am just curious---since I am still new here...hate to ask dumb questions. But, is there a test that can determine if you are inflamed? I am wondering if that is why I am so tired. I am on Pentassa and have some aching pains in my j pouch and wondering if that is the problem? I wonder if I need to switch meds? Sue

 

[Fog Ducker]

Not 100% sure but I think thats what CRP in your blood tests measures.

 

[Cookie]

The sedimentation rate (blood test) is an indication of inflammation. I don't know all of the details, but I'm sure you can find plenty of info by googling it.

 

[imisspopcorn]

Hope ypu feel better Sue....You can Google ESR(Sed rate) and CPR(C-reactive protien) for an exact explanation...............

 

[Guestly]

There is also an inflammation scan. I just had one where they took bloods, sent them off to have radioactive markers added to particular cells, then they put it back in again, and over a few hours did scans to see where the radioactive cells travelled to. Wherever they landed was the site of inflammation - amazingly clever!

 

[crazycanuck]

Now I haven't had one but I know some people who have had that CRP blood test and im about 90% sure it tests inflammation but doesn't tell you where the inflammation is. Could be your hands, tummy....etc.

 

[CrohnsHobo]

I get a CRP regularly and it measures inflammation, but does not tell you where the inflammation is occurring.

 

[chelsmom]

My daughter has had an elevated sed and crp rate so her GI took a stool sample and did a "calprotectin" rate that measures inflammation in the GI specifically. It was the marker that she was diagnosed as IBD with.

 

[shazamataz]

Interesting. I knew about ESR and CRP and it is a good test to see if you have inflammation, but doesn't tell you where it is. What was that test you got Lishy?

 

[Guestly]

Had to go and find the letter! It was an Isotope Scan, info below from NACC:

a test which uses a tiny amount of radioactivity injected into the bloodstream to produce pictures of the body by using a special gamma camera that picks up radioactivity. It involves taking a blood sample and then attaching an isotope (a radioactive substance) to white or red blood
cells. This is then re-injected into the bloodstream. In IBD, red cell scans are
sometimes used to look for the cause of bleeding; white cell scans are used to look for abscesses or inflammation of the intestine. Different isotopes are used for scanning different parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and bones...

(It was cool to watch on the screen....bits of my bowel started changing colour as the cells travelled towards it!)

 

[imisspopcorn]

Wow, that test sounds awesome....Did your bowels light up like a Christmas tree?

Seriously, though, If you have an elevated CRP it would be a great way to pinpoint exactly where the inflammation is located...especially cardiac stuff.

 

[shazamataz]

Wow, that sounds pretty cool! Did it show up specific problem areas in your gut?
Ha ha to the Cristmas tree Carrie

 

[saidinstouch]

It can also be the pentasa causing fatigue. When I was on it right after diagnosis I felt like a zombie and could barely attend classes before noon or later, when I usually could wake up for 8 am class without a problem. Talk to your doctor about both blood tests(ESR and CRP) and also the possibility of not handling the pentasa well.

 

[Sue-2009]

Gottcha all...went to get some blood tests today...I'll let you know whats up..Thanks...Sue