High calprotectin levels but no symptoms

Hi all

I'd be looking for some feedback on the below, pretty stressed atm so apologies if it's a bit of a ramble but hoping there's been others in a similar boat.

I have IBS and have done for 5 years. All the usual symptoms, diarrhea etc. I've had treatment for a number of years now and have had no real flare ups until this summer.

10 weeks ago I went to Gran Canaria on holiday, I came back and within one week I was having diarrhea. This continued for about 10 days so phoned the doctor, stool sample sent away for infection and came back all clear. The diarrhea continued on and completed a calprotectin test, my level came back at 1,800. Got a second test done and the level was reduced below 1,800 but still above 250 (I don't know the exact number but the doctor said it was significantly elavated so assuming above 1,000).

The weirdest thing for me is that I have no symptoms (apart from the diarrhea). No weight loss, no fatigue, barely any cramping, no blood and over-the-counter Loperamide fixes my diarrhea (but it comes back when I stop Loperamide). I feel absolutely normal too, have continued working full-time and playing football 3 times per week with no issues.

I initially put this down to stress as I typically get stressed around sleeping when not in my own bed (despite the fact I loved my holiday in Gran Canaria), I then got a football injury, new puppy and started a new job/left my old job. Whilst these (bar the injury) were typically positive things, I still get stressed when change happens in my life, so I feel stress has a part to play here. Also, my diarrhea stopped right before my first day on my new job but then on my first day (when I was more stressed) it started again.

I've referred for a colonoscopy (another source of stress).

So calprotectin level of around 1,800 but no symptoms outwith diarrhea.

Anyone got any thoughts and perhaps able to reassure me?

  • Hello RFC27LP and a warm welcome to our forum, 

    I am sorry that you have been suffering from IBS for 5 years and I can imagine it is a difficult condition to have to manage. Gran Canaria must have been a great place to visit and it's such a shame that you had these symptoms within a week of coming back and you did the right thing in calling the doctor and it's great that they carried out tests. It is normal to be worried after finding out that your calprotectin levels were raised. You've been through a lot of stress too recently - a new puppy at the same time as a new job and a football injury that is quite a lot of change to have to adapt to! I think that despite the anxiety it is causing you right now, it's a good thing that they have referred you for a colonoscopy so that you can get total clarity as to what might be causing these symptoms and hopefully it will give you peace of mind. There is useful information on our website on the colonoscopy which I hope will help you feel better prepared before the test. I hope that you won't have to wait too long to be seen. Waiting for tests or results is the hardest thing and I thought I would share with you our helpful tips on how to cope while waiting for news. 

    It's worth remembering that there can be so many different reasons why calprotectin levels might be raised but it's important to identify the cause and it sounds like you are in very good hands right now and getting all the necessary tests. 

    I hope that you will hear from others here who are or have been in a similar boat and that they will share their experience with you and give you some reassurance. I am keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be nothing of concern and that you get some clarity soon and treatment to alleviate your diarrhoea issues. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator