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Stool sample Q - hand hold

7 replies

JanuaryJones20 · 29/01/2020 14:46

Sorry blatantly posting here for traffic!

Background - have had bowel problems on and off since 2015, had some blood tests and a stool sample at that point and they diagnosed IBS from results and talked to me about controlling it with diet. This has worked to varying effect and there were obviously things that set it off (cramps and runs).

Since having DC it’s got worse at points and I’ve suffered from horrendous piles (or so I thought). I’ve also noticed spots of blood when wiping - bright fresh red small streaks. It’s been worrying me for ages.

Went last week examined, no piles but did see cuts - anal fissures? And said couldn’t feel anything suspicious and they were most likely from excessive wiping. Asked me to do a stool sample and talked me through how it looked for blood in association with bowl cancer and that it was a very black and white test.

Anyway the test results line have called me back today saying I need to repeat the test, I asked why and they said the results had come back saying there was some inflammation. Asked her to explain this but apparently she’s not medically trained. Been on hold for 40 mins now to speak to a clinical advisor and I’m terrified and on the brink of tears in the office.

Can anyone talk me through what this means I’ve googled and it just comes up with stuff about Calprotectin levels and Crohns/colllitis is. Is this different to the bowl cancer blood indicators the GP said they were looking for. I’m really worried and confused.

OP posts:
Feyre · 29/01/2020 14:53

Calprotectin levels are to measure inflammation and not for cancer, I have had Crohn's disease since I was 13. Sending you a big hug OP Flowers The inflammation shown in your sample may have just been a one off which is why they would want to repeat it. x

WombatStewForTea · 29/01/2020 15:00

I have Crohn's. Calprotectin measures the level of inflammation in the bowel. It's the major difference between IBS and IBD. I imagine you're one of the many people fobbed off with IBS when you actually have IBD. Sounds scary but there are so many more treatment options for IBD

JanuaryJones20 · 29/01/2020 15:17

Thank you @Feyre and wombatstew - so even though they were looking for the blood this is something separate they’ve picked up and could actually be an answer to what’s been going on?

I was just so worried. As I keep been targeted by these bowl cancer ads on social media - presumably based on what I’ve been googling in relation to symptoms and with the test coming back with something I’m scared.

Spoke to a clinical advisor who wasn’t very helpful she just said it had shown raised inflammatory markers. So this is different to the test and result that looks for blood in relation to bowl cancer?

OP posts:
PBJtimedance · 29/01/2020 16:04

www.calprotectin.co.uk/about-calprotectin/information-for-patients/

This is a pretty good site for explaining this test. You will probably have had a mid-range result, they will re-test and see if it goes down or up. This is a test for IBD and is not normally linked to bowel cancer.

SweetMarmalade · 29/01/2020 16:16

When I presented with blood in my stool I was referred for a colonoscopy and diagnosed with Crohn’s.

Has your GP not referred you?

Calprotectin tests are my norm now and just show whether my disease is active and levels are high. Better than having to go through a colonoscopy every few months.

Perhaps depending on the results of the next test you may get referred but please try not to worry, easier said than done I know.

Flowers
user1468832061 · 23/08/2020 13:32

my doctor asked me to do a stool test to check for blood i have ibs and diverticulitis , i took it in wednesday wasnt back friday i am worried sick can they take that long, my blood test was all ok except slightly low pottasium

Shauna2866 · 25/11/2023 07:40

Hi how did you get on ? I have been having trouble with my bowels for 18 months now just had my calprotectin test back and it’s 655! Worried sick just turned 30 and mum off 3
I know this post is old so I may not get a reply but hope everything went well with you xx

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