Calprotectin Level of 44
I have just received some exciting news that I thought I would share! My calprotectin level is at 44! Which indicates that my IBD is in remission.
We will discuss:
- What is a calprotectin test?
- My previous calprotectin levels
- What does my calprotectin level mean?
- What did I do to achieve these results?
We will discuss each of these in detail. I hope that this information will help you gain full remission as well.
What is a Calprotectin Test?
A calprotectin test is a stool sample test. It is a non-invasive, reliable test that detects inflammation of the bowel wall. It assesses disease activity and the risk of relapse in IBD patients. It also shows the level of mucosal healing. It can differentiate between IBD and IBS.
A level of 50mg/kg or lower, is considered within the ‘normal’ range. A level between 50-100 mg/kg coupled with digestive symptoms means likely IBS. A level of over 250mg/kg, coupled with digestive issues, means likely IBD.
A high fecal calprotectin level indicate a high probability of intestinal inflammation. In patients with known IBD, a calprotectin result of 50mg/kg or higher. Means an increased risk of disease relapse over the next 12 months.
My Previous Calprotectin Levels
I have used calprotectin tests to monitor my disease for the past couple of years. I like the test because it is non-invasive. I don’t have to drink horrible colonoscopy prep. Nor take on the risks associated with a colonoscopy. And it is relatively affordable ($90 in Queensland, Australia).
I have never been within the ‘normal’ range (below 50 mg/kg) since I started testing. The closest I have been is a level of 80mg/kg.
In February 2022 my calprotectin level was at 2419 mg/kg. This graph, shows that these levels indicate ‘severe levels’ of disease.
In April 2022, my calprotectin level was down to about 250 mg/kg. This was a result of doing a 7-week semi-elemental diet. Which gave my body complete bowel rest, and allowed it to heal.
Now, 7 months after my last test, I am within the normal, healthy range.
What Does My Calprotectin Result Mean?
My calprotectin test showed a result of 44 mg/kg. This means that my inflammatory markers in my bowel are within the normal, healthy range.
Coupled with the fact that I do not really have any symptoms, it indicates that my IBD is in remission. I still occasionally have diarrhea, and urgency. But I know that with more time, those symptoms will also fully heal. I also know that these symptoms are because I likely have IBS as well as IBD.
A calprotectin level of 44 mg/kg means what I am doing is working. It means that there is tangible evidence that I am healing my body. It means that my sacrifices, hard work and dedication are paying off.
This result is a major encouragement for me to keep going. If I was putting in all this effort and not seeing results, I would feel so discouraged.
But the opposite is happening. I am putting in the effort, and I am seeing the results.
What this means for my mental health is huge. It shows me that I am not on the very edge of a flare. As I so often worry that I am.
It means that if I keep going, my calprotectin level might drop even more.
It means that hopefully I have found a system that will work long-term.
It means that I am healing (rather than harming) my body.
What Did I Do to Achieve These Results?
The short answer to this is that I did a lot of different things. There are many blog posts on this site that go into detail on each of the things that I did to get into remission.
There are a few key things that I did:
- Follow the IBD-AID diet
- Learn to manage stress
I started doing an elemental diet when I was having full-on flaring symptoms. I stopped eating all food entirely for seven weeks. I only drank meal replacement shakes that are specifically made for people with IBD.
Doing this was difficult, but it gave me full bowel rest. It allowed my body the time, and space to heal.
After the elemental diet, I began following the IBD-AID diet. I began in phase-1 with silken texture foods. During this time, I ate a very limited variety of foods. And supplemented with the shakes.
I am now in phase 2/3 of IBD-AID. I am slowly adding more foods back into my diet, one at a time.
I will probably always follow the IBD-AID diet. It is a clinically proven diet in helping patients manage IBD. It has been proven to reduce symptoms. And help patients gain remission, and stay in remission.
I healed my complex fistula. With such a large infection in my body, it would have been nearly impossible to get a calprotectin level of 44.
While I was experiencing flaring symptoms, I rested as much as possible. On my days off work, I slept as much as I could. I laid down as often as I needed. I relied on my partner to take care of me and our household.
During the flaring period I used all of my sick days at work. While I was working, I tried to sit down as much as possible. I explained to my coworkers what was happening, and they were supportive.
Learning to manage stress is a lifelong journey. For me, there are quite a few things that I use to manage stress.
I prioritize a 30-minute meditation every single morning. I do yoga as often as I can (usually twice a week). I make time to do things that I enjoy like socializing, and walking in nature.
I only worry about things that actually matter, and that I can control. Otherwise, I push it from my mind, and trust the universe to sort it out. Read ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle to learn more about this.
I am feeling so good and excited about my results. But mostly I am feeling so proud of myself. And proud of my partner for being endlessly supportive.
I have reached a major milestone in my healing journey.
Now that I am in remission, the next step is clear. Stay in remission for the rest of my life! I really do think that it is achievable. And I am so determined to do it. And share with you how I am going to do it.
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