High calprotectin

Hi everyone.

In 2011 I started to develop severe upper abdominal pain after a trip to Kenya. I was in agony for 3 years, and then the pain went down to an acceptable level with the odd surge of pain.

I have been admitted to the hospital 30 times; they never did a calprotectin test. My pain is very severe, and I was once at 500 mg of opioids per day, now down to 40.

Sometimes I cannot eat at all due to the pain. I have done all the tests under the sun for pancreatitis but nothing has been found.

I then started to check calprotectin levels 8 weeks ago. The first result was 106, then 256, then 395 and now 796. I started ivermectin last Saturday but so far no improvement just more pain.. What could cause this fast-rising calprotectin level?. Is cancer more likely than chrons/IBD.. Anyway, I hope anyone can answer me. thanks

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm really sorry for the delay in replying. You may have had a reply to your question,but if you haven't I hope the following information will be of some help..

    Calprotectin is a stool (faecal) test that can be used to see if there is any inflammation in the intestines. Intestinal inflammation is associated with, for example, some bacterial infections and, in people who may have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease..

    The faecal calprotectin test is not diagnostic, but may sometimes be used to distinguish between IBD and non-inflammatory disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)and to also monitor IBD disease activity. It's not a screening test for bowel cancer,

    Calprotectin can be used to see which patients may require follow up tests such as a colonoscopy.

    The test is also used in determining disease activity and monitoring response to treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

    I’m afraid we can’t tell you what’s causing your levels to increase. Your doctor may be able to shed further light on this for you.

    Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene