Newbie would like some opinions/advice

Hi bluebirdjt

I don't know anything about the calprotectin tests, but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone! Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but I believe a lot of us were misdiagnosed or ignored by our PCP's and GI's for many years before being diagnosed. I was told I had growing pains, anxiety, stress, not eating enough fiber, Irritable bowel, anorexia (my personal fav) and a smathering of other things before I got the correct Crohn's diagnosis. And even then, sometimes they'll only say "resembles Crohn's" in the medical records. Argh! Not that I'm saying we like being diagnosed with Crohn's, it's just nice to put a name to a monster.

Did they do biopsies with the colonoscopies? They don't make it up into your small bowel with the scopes, so you never know if you have inflammation up there. I can't say I know much about Pentasa, I haven't been assigned that drug. At least not yet! Is your "Dr" that you mention a PCP or a GI folk? If not GI, you should see one.

Also, my early symptoms of Crohn's were very similiar to yours except the diarrhea (I was originally constipated). but the abdominal cramps and the blood and mucous are the same. even the aching joints and fatigue. I hope you get some relief and answers soon.

Cheers

Hi bluebirdkjt...I'm afraid that I'm also unfamiliar w/ the test that you mentioned. I did notice, however, that the drugs you are taking (Pentasa, previously Asacol) are generally prescribed to people w/ Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn's. Bloody diarrhea is also more of a symptom of UC. Often, doctors have trouble differentiating between the 2 diseases, in the beginning. At the very least, I would think that your doctors would advise you to have an appendectomy (assuming that you haven't already) in order to rule out appendicitis & to allow them to view the ileum. Generally, anyone w/ Crohn's or Colitis eventually has their appendix removed to avoid misdiagnosing abdomenal pain as strictly IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Meanwhile, make sure that you're seeing a top GI (for my ileostomy, I was referred by my GI to one who has dealt w/ more advanced cases). Lastly, there are numerous tests that are used to diagnose IBD...25+ yrs. ago I had both upper & lower GI's, ultrasound, CAT-Scans, different scopes including colonoscopy, blood work & probably a few others. Today, it seems that most people are more readily diagnosed & fortunately, the doctors usually go straight to the colonoscopy & then move backward. Hopefully, you will get a definitive diagnosis within a short time; otherwise, I would seek a 2nd opinion. Good luck & keep us posted!