CRP and ESR results

Hi everyone!

I am trying to get diagnosed and am seeing a new GI. She diagnosed me with IBS (UGH) after the consultation, but ran some blood work to make sure she didn't miss anything. I am positive that this is not IBS, and feel that my symptoms are more closely related with Crohn's Disease.

Some background:

I am having symptoms of intestinal inflammation, but doctors love to label everyone with IBS. I am nauseous 24/7, have cramping, sharp pains, stabbing pains, every other kind of pain out there. Am majorly constipated, but the stool is soft and very thin, or breaks apart. The amount of effort it takes me to have a bowel movement is insane. I have had fissures and blood in the past, but it seems to have calmed down. Now the pain on the lower right area is intensifying and the stool is looser. I am also having extra intestinal manifestations, such as fatigue, joint pain, headaches, back pain, unable to sleep through the night, etc. I responded well to prednisone for an upper respiratory infection, but my symptoms returned soon after, leading to intense pain and fainting.

The blood work came back: I am anemic, have low vitamin D, low Ferritin, and low CO2. My CRP was at 17.6mg/L and my ESR was at 21 (I forgot the units). These were both marked as high and out of range, but I was wondering if these numbers are comparable to people with IBD. Sometimes things are out of range, but pretty much fine.

Hello Jessica
Your inflammatory markers are increased and iron stores are low.
Has your anemia been investigated?
Will you be meeting with the GI to discuss these results?
Have you been scheduled for a colonoscopy--which is the gold standard for IBD disorders such as Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis.
Lab results alone cannot rule out IBD, you need more tests.
I would suggest a discussion with your GI specialist---but if you are not satisfied then find another, preferably recommended.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

Trysha said:

Hello Jessica
Your inflammatory markers are increased and iron stores are low.
Has your anemia been investigated?
Will you be meeting with the GI to discuss these results?
Have you been scheduled for a colonoscopy--which is the gold standard for IBD disorders such as Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis.
Lab results alone cannot rule out IBD, you need more tests.
I would suggest a discussion with your GI specialist---but if you are not satisfied then find another, preferably recommended.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

Click to expand...

I think my doctor assumed my anemia is from the fact that I don't eat meat, but I've been a vegetarian for 7 years and have never been anemic before. We are meeting in a few weeks to discuss results. I am hoping to at least get an MRI, if not a colonoscopy. I'm not unsatisfied, I just feel she's moving a tad slow with things. Or maybe I'm just anxious about it and it feels that way.

Perhaps you should be in touch with the GI sooner if you are having such pain and discomfort.
Do not wait for the appointment when you may be helped sooner.
It is natural to have some anxiety but sometimes it can make the symptoms worse.
Your GI should be informed of your pain and discomfort and see you as soon as possible .
Hugs
Trysha

When my Crohn's was quite active, I had CRP levels of over 40mg/L and ESR of 49. I can only guess it was higher when I was in a flare. A scope is the only reliable way to determine if you have Crohn's.

I would really push for a scope. With your high inflammation markers and your anemia, I think more is going on than just IBS. It absolutely could be an IBD, but there are many other reasons for these symptoms as well. Still I think that IBD should NOT be ruled out, and you should have a scope to see what is going on. I might also ask for a gastric emptying scan that could look for a cause of your severe nausea. Please keep us updated and let us know how you are. Hang in there, I think you will get answers soon.