Indicators of Crohn's abating

Pigdoc

New Member

Joined : Dec 2008

Posts : 19

Posted 1/13/2009 11:31 PM (GMT 0)

When my GI doc does the blood tests, there are a number of hematological tests done (wbc rbc hemoglobin, hematocrat, etc). I've had a recent major 'flare up' of my Crohn's in early December, which the docs attributed to stress and my meds not working. Since then I've lost 20+ pounds, currently on Prednisone (80mg/d), and started me on Imuran a week ago. All bleeding has stopped, but blood glucose level has soared (>500), so now I'm on short and long-term insulin shots daily. Now I'm sitting here, hoping the new meds will push the Crohn's into remission and some energy and nutrient absorption will start again, so I can function more normally. So when my doc does the blood assay, I was wondering which of the tests they look at to see if the Crohn's is abating a bit. Thanks in advance.
Pigdoc

Ides

Forum Moderator

Joined : Nov 2003

Posts : 7204

Posted 1/14/2009 12:35 AM (GMT 0)

Several blood tests can show if there is a response to inflammation in the body. Unfortunately not everyone that has inflammation has elevated indicators in the blood. The two tests that come to mind are a SED rate and a CRP. If either is elevated, it can be a sign of inflammation. Some people run elevated White blood counts. I had high WBCs for years and when they got me on Imuran, it brought that and the SED rate down.

More imprtant are your symptoms. If your bowel function becomes more normal, you don't have pain, and other symtpoms associated with your flares cease, then it is a sign that the flare is subsiding/responding to medication.

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