Microscopic colitis can look “normal” on colonoscopy and blood tests — yet symptoms can be severe. In this post, I explain what your biopsies actually show, how diagnosis is made under the microscope, why CRP and ESR are often normal, and what blood tests still matter for your long-term health.
Iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies are common in people with IBD — but they’re often missed until anaemia and symptoms appear. The good news is that these deficiencies usually leave early clues in routine blood tests long before you feel unwell. In this article, I explain how laboratories use trends in common results like haemoglobin, MCV, and MCHC to spot iron, B12, and folate deficiency early. My aim isn’t to diagnose, but to help you understand what your blood results are signalling, so you can have more informed conversations with your doctor and catch problems before they impact your quality of life.
Delivery estimate: 30th March 2026
The IB3 Discreet pad is designed for one purpose — to give you total confidence against bowel leakage, without bulk, noise or embarrassment.
Ive been there. Oversized, bulky, designed for urine. Let me make this easy for you:
No bulk at front or where it isn't needed. Absorbent core designed specifically for faecal (NOT urine!!)
Genuinely discreet. Only the people you want to know will know what you're dealing with.
We mean this. A leak is a genuine disaster. No questions asked, money back!
NHS Biomedical Scientist by day. All things Faecal incontinence expert by night.
I created this for me.
1 in 80 adults experience FI. Yeah, thats more than i thought too. It feels very isolating doesn't it.
Well, my mission is to give you confidence. Thats what the IB3 pad does.
Discreet packaging. Discreet when wearing.
To inspire confidence, not shame.
| Who it’s for | Who it’s not for |
|---|---|
| Small leaks or occasional accidents | Larger or constant accidents |
| Softer stool (Bristol 1 –6) | Very watery stool (Type 7) |
| Mild to moderate protection needs | Heavy protection needs |
