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Help! Normal stool calprotectin for the first time ever but high CRP! What's going on??

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/7/2022 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have ulcerative colitis and take Humira. My fecal calprotectin was NORMAL for the first time since my diagnosis!!!!

But my C-Reactive protein extremely high, around 35 (normal is 8 or below). For context, my CRP was around 1 when I was admitted to the hospital with a fecal calprotectin of >1000. My CRP has always been low, even during flares.

I'm talking to my doc next week about these results but I'm quite anxious about this. If my colon is currently all good, why is my CRP so high???

I don't understand what's going on here. It seems like my colon is happy and normal, but there's inflammation... somewhere else. Anyone have experience with this????
Posted 8/7/2022 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Do you feel ok? Have any symptoms of any sort? How long have you been on Humira? Did you get other bloodwork? If so, was that all normal?

I googled it because I was interested and found that smoking, obesity and lack of exercise can also cause slightly elevated CRP levels, but it sounds like bacterial and fungal infections and autoimmune diseases would be more common for very high levels. Lastly, I don't want to freak you out but there is a very, very rare chance of Humira causing congestive heart failure. It's like a .3% chance, but I know about it because Humira gave me crazy side effects so my GI ordered an Echo cardiogram just to be safe (it was normal).

If you feel ok, I would try to not worry too much. But I'd be calling or messaging my doctor to ask first thing Monday morning if it were me.
Posted 8/7/2022 7:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hey magic,

I’ve had the same CRP. On Humira for UC also. This was just before a colonoscopy when mine was so high. The colonoscopy showed no signs of disease. After the colonoscopy, had it rechecked. My CRP had gone way down. I’d had strep throat during the first test. Out of any other ideas, we just chalked it up to that.

I believe that number is sensitive to many things. Even arthritis. I’d suggest not freaking out (as I did when mine shot up) and getting a retest in a month or two. You may be surprised.

EDIT: I’m sorry. I just reread your number. 35. Mine was in the hundreds and came down to around where yours is now. Not to diminish anything but I wouldn’t worry too much about a 35. I consider that to be within the “normal to be high” range.

But as Sara said, Mentioning anything abnormal to the doctor is always good practice.

——

On Humira
Posted 8/7/2022 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
CRP is not gut-specific. It can rise due to inflammation or infection elsewhere in the body.
Posted 8/7/2022 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
My GI won’t do CRP and prefers to rely on ESR and Calcprotectin mainly to monitor through the period between scopes. CRP can go up with flu and flu like things too. So if the gut seems happy you are good for now.
Posted 8/7/2022 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting! I feel so much better after reading these reponses! I'm a very healthy weight, super active, lots of hiking and Pilates, meditate often, practice intermittent fasting, don't consume any sugar, blah blah blah.

Most importantly, I feel 100% fine. I feel healthier and happier than I've felt in the four years since my diagnosis (for comparison, I spent most of 2020 - 2021 bedridden, going 10-20 times a day, in constant pain, and unemployed).

My BM's are totally normal and never more than 2 a day. Usually just 1. My energy is great, even abundant. I sleep well. I feel NORMAL and healthy! Which is why I was so worried about my CRP.

Post Edited (magicbeans) : 8/7/2022 12:26:53 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 8/7/2022 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah I doubt that value reflects your colon. My CRP went up to 10 after my covid vaccine. Normally it's around 1, even when flaring.
Posted 8/10/2022 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
What did your doctor say about it?
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