Low sed rate -- active Crohn's

[danmiller3]

Hi folks
Is it possible to have a low sed rate (2) and still have active Crohn's? A little more detail. Diagnosed with Crohn's in 1986 when I was 12. Bowel resection that same year. Fistulaectomy in 1993. Otherwise, for the most part, aside from recurrent diarrhea (which I got used to about 25 years ago) I have been very lucky to have inactive disease. I've been on no meds until recently.

The past few years I've been struck with two bowel obstructions resulting in hospitalization. They cleared on their own but the root cause is the surgery area that has scar tissue and narrowing. Colonoscopy in January showed significant inflammation and ulcers and narrowing. Areas was dilated to stretch things out a bit. Biopsies were non-specific inflammation. I'm not even sure what that means.

Doc put me on Entocort. Three pills a day for first month and now I am on two a day for the second month before tapering to one in a few days. He did blood work recently and the everything was relatively in line. ALT level was a little high but my ALT levels tend to be all over the board. Sed rate was only 2.

I have a follow-up colonoscopy in April after finishing the Entocort. He then wants to start me on Humira. The Entocort has been making me feel pretty damn crappy. Fatigue and muscle weakness. I can't really tell if it's helping the inflammation.

So is it possible to have active disease with a normal sed rate? Any other thoughts on the overall course?

Thanks,
--Dan

 

[Essieluv]

I think it's absolutely possible to have active disease and a low sed rate. Not everyone's Crohn's can be monitored by ESR or sed rate- it really just depends on the person. I always have a lower sed rate, even when I am flaring very badly.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Absolutely. I usually don't have a high inflammation rate in my bloods even when I'm severely inflamed. The test just really isn't helpful for me.

 

[alev]

Yes, that is somewhat common from what I've experienced and been told. I've been flaring recently and just had labs done and my sed rate was 7 which is normal, but my CRP was 26 which is 3x what it should be.

 

[Essieluv]

Peraphs a fecal calprotectin might be a better test to show inflammation/flare ups for you?