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Crohn's and Arthritis
Is there a link of any kind with crohn's and arthritis symptoms? I have just been diagnosed with crohn's in my colon an dam taking medication asacol, metronidazole for that and ciprofloxacin for a bladder infection. I think I have had the infection some time, not knowing what I had. I have started feeing pain like an inflamation in my writ for a while now, longer than I knew I had crohn's and now in my hips and bones, I have trouble being comfortable lying on my sides at night. It is like I have infection in them.
I am 58 and have had Crohns since I was 13. It has been a long road. As you have probably experienced things have changed over the years. 30 plus years ago there were few meds available which is why I have been on steriods for over 30 years. I am currently in a battle to save my last bit of small intestine. If I am not successful I will be on a line for the rest of my life. I already experienced living with a hickman for a year. Unfortunately it ended with bacteria in my blood requiring almost a month of hospitalization and prayers. Unless you have it or live with someone who has it there is no way to describe what life entails. I don't need pity, and I always try to get every drop out of life that I can. Depending on what is happening at the time. I used to say if the disease doesn't get me the cure will. I had no idea how right I could be. In addition to the actual Crohns I have to get IVIG therapy for the rest of my life thanks to prednisone and the other meds that play with my immune system. Unfortunately before they discovered my immunity problems I had already gotten asspergillis (fungus) in my lungs. If you want to have a life and not give in let me just say Crohns is not for the faint of heart. The only good thing I can say about it is that it has made me dig deeper to find meaning and peace in each moment...too bad I have to experience life on one side of the spectrum to reach that place inside. Good luck to all that refuse to give up and especially to those that have.
I had crohn’s since I was 23. I had an ileostomy when was 32. The croh’s symptoms eased up since than, but my arthritis getting worst. I am 58 now. After several surgery later, the arthritis is the most unbearable pain. I like to able sleep thru the night once in a vile that is only a dream!!!
Good luck you all.
Good luck you all.
I have had Crohn's for 38 years, psoriasis diagnosed 44 years ago (I was 13 yrs old), and last year was having so much trouble with my joints which I thought was from the osteoporosis (from all of the steroids over the years), was diagnosed by the rheumatologist with Crohn's arthritis. Having been an RN for 30 years and working in GI for a lot of those years I thought I knew a lot about CD but had never heard of it. I now know that it can sure be debilitating when it is acting up. My dermatologist and rheumatologist both assure me that it isn't psoriatic arthritis. After my last surgery for Crohns a few years ago (I have a permanent ostomy now) I haven't had too much trouble lately so am only on methotrexate, which helps a little bit with some symptoms. I do the reclast infusions yearly for the osteoporosis since I have pretty bad malabsorption syndrome d/t having no colon and over 1/3 of sm intestine gone. But would appreciate tips on dealing with the arthritis bit.
I have c.d. for about 15 years now. I had an ileostomy 10 years ago then had a resection. Had a baby seven years ago, it seemed to put me in remision. But the last few months I have been in a flare up and extreme joint pain in my hips, wrists, knees, ankles and toes. I am seeing an arthritis specialist to see what to go on next. Pentasa doesn't seem to be doing to much and pain killers don't take the joint pain away. Sometimes I think it's in my head how i'm feeling but I'm glad to hear the stories everyone posts. I had been on remicade about 10 years ago as a study, I think it helped but then stopped treatment. Still awaiting some more answers to what doctors are going to try next
I am 31, was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn's at 24 that led to a resection, illeostomy and reversal. I have been in a decent remission ever since with a few flares here and there controlled by Imuran 200 mg daily. Before my resection the only thing to work for relief was high doses of prednisone which can cause capillaries in the joints to die, if you have taken high doses of steriods for an extended period and have joint pain, be sure to ask about the connection when getting the arthritis seen about. Mine has turned out to just be arthritis, a lot like described by others, about the worse at night while trying to sleep, almost unbearable. It also depends on how active I am during the day (I am a mom of a 2 year old, so it's been increasing). It's hard not to be able to take ibuprofens that are made to lessen inflammation and just take pain relievers that mask the pain but does nothing to alleviate the nerves. The best relief I have is soak in a tub regularly with water (helps the tummy too) and an ache relieving tonic or epsom salt, A topical cream like Ben-Gay (or non smelly kind) and an understanding doc, who listens and trust me and will give me prescription pain meds that do not affect my stomach but will help alleviate the pain when I can't move. If you have this disease, the best thing in the world is to get a doctor you can have a good trusting relationship with and not just a business type relationship. It is about the only way I have to deal with it.
I have had CD 10 years, 10 years of IBS before that, on a elimination diet, and quit eating veggies as a ovo-vegetarian-. I have had feet pain for sometime and wear 5 finger shoes. They help. I quit Pentasa one month ago and my pain in my lower back and feet is terrible. I became intolerant of Pentasa. My muscle are all tightening up. Wellbutin, Xanax, and Lunesta all help me sleep. Good luck out there.
Wesley
Wesley
I have both rhuemetoid arthritis and crohns disease... They do come had in hand. I dont know why but i am proof that it can happen. Something about the type of arthritis i have? but when one flares the other does. I was diagnosed with arthritis first.
I have Crohn's and have had a history of arthritis symptoms - mostly in knees, anklets, wrists and fingers. My GI told me it's a part of Crohn's and treatment is the same (in my case Remicade and 6MP). Remicade helped the symptoms, especially pain in the fingers - for a while but not so much anymore. I've had swelling behind my knees for months and intermittent swelling/fluid in my ankles recently. I've been told never to take anything other than Tylenol for the pain since Advil and Aleve can cause bleeding. To be honest, Tylenol doesn't even touch the pain and it doesn't help the inflammation/swelling.
I have found that hot baths with Espom salts relieves some pain. Although I'd love to say that there's an easy answer, I really can't. I just try to keep moving with gentle exercise on bad days and enjoy more vigorous exercise on good days.
Good luck!
I have found that hot baths with Espom salts relieves some pain. Although I'd love to say that there's an easy answer, I really can't. I just try to keep moving with gentle exercise on bad days and enjoy more vigorous exercise on good days.
Good luck!
I also have various arthritis' from CD. Osteopaenia, Spondylitis, Sacro-ilitis (hips, lower back) and joint arthritis. All of which I have been told is due to CD. My Rheumatologist has me on 15mg Methotrexate each week. I have found since taking this medication, they have come mainly under control and so has the CD. I also live on the Queensland / New South Wales border in Australia. So the warmth plays a good part in keeping me mobile along with doing woodwork.
I have just been to see a friend today who is battling with this dreaded disease and is NOT on medication and she is very sick. Her parents thought most of it was in her head until I spoke with them today.
Swimming, I have found, is very good for the arthritis because it is low impact exercise. Have a go at that if you can and good luck.
JAx
I have just been to see a friend today who is battling with this dreaded disease and is NOT on medication and she is very sick. Her parents thought most of it was in her head until I spoke with them today.
Swimming, I have found, is very good for the arthritis because it is low impact exercise. Have a go at that if you can and good luck.
JAx
Hi All
I am 29 years of age and have been diagnosed with crohn's collitis about 4 years ago. for the last year I have been getting severe pain in my hips and lower back this has been getting progressively worse every time it happens, I have had an x ray done and noting showed up now my doctor is talking about an MRI scan. none of the pain killers I have been given seem to help much and I am having to take a lot of time off work which is not going down well with my bosses. Has anyone had similar symptoms and had any positive results from treatments.
I am 29 years of age and have been diagnosed with crohn's collitis about 4 years ago. for the last year I have been getting severe pain in my hips and lower back this has been getting progressively worse every time it happens, I have had an x ray done and noting showed up now my doctor is talking about an MRI scan. none of the pain killers I have been given seem to help much and I am having to take a lot of time off work which is not going down well with my bosses. Has anyone had similar symptoms and had any positive results from treatments.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's just about 4 years ago now, I am 40 years old. Upon consultation with my Rhumatologist, because I have arthritis (which they called arthritis due to Crohns) I have taken sulfasalazine. It has the benefits of controlling the Crohns as well as the arthritis.
I no longer use the sulfasalazine unless I am having a Crohns flare up, I find, after alot of research, that I can control the Crohns with my diet. I don't think everyone could be as lucky however because I have a mild case of Crohn's (at least that's what they tell me). I am currently on an anti-inflamatory diet but also omit certain foods that I know cause distress (raw carrots, beans, etc). I have also cut out dairy as I know this causes me alot of problems. I have discovered these things by carefully administering an elimination diet on my own. Sometimes I cut out wheat products as well as they seem to bother me from time to time, especially if I am having a flare up.
I do not have any psoriasis symptoms but god only knows, I may at some point. These are all autoammune diseases/syndromes. All related, having one could easily mean having another especially in the case of Lupus.
Exercise, especially walking seems to help quite a bit as well as hot salt baths and then stretching.
Good luck to everyone and I hope you can all find your magic cocktail of things you can do to relieve your symptoms.
I no longer use the sulfasalazine unless I am having a Crohns flare up, I find, after alot of research, that I can control the Crohns with my diet. I don't think everyone could be as lucky however because I have a mild case of Crohn's (at least that's what they tell me). I am currently on an anti-inflamatory diet but also omit certain foods that I know cause distress (raw carrots, beans, etc). I have also cut out dairy as I know this causes me alot of problems. I have discovered these things by carefully administering an elimination diet on my own. Sometimes I cut out wheat products as well as they seem to bother me from time to time, especially if I am having a flare up.
I do not have any psoriasis symptoms but god only knows, I may at some point. These are all autoammune diseases/syndromes. All related, having one could easily mean having another especially in the case of Lupus.
Exercise, especially walking seems to help quite a bit as well as hot salt baths and then stretching.
Good luck to everyone and I hope you can all find your magic cocktail of things you can do to relieve your symptoms.
Hi. I only found this site a few days ago. I have had Crohn's for just over 10 years. Recently have been dealing with the whole joint pain thing. I have arthritis in my knees. My GI told me NOt to take Aleve. I was having great results with it. He said it was one of the worse things I could take with having Crohn's. Took his word for it, stopped taking it and now just deal with he pain. I am literally sitting here with my mouth hanging open. You take this and your doc says there is no problem with it. Again....I am in the position of not knowing which way to go. As if this disease isn't enough of a roller coaster ride. Is my doc an idiot now too? Help! What do you and your doc know that I am suffering through this pain for not knowing!
Hi all - well, had a 4 hr session at the hospital yesterday, initially with my bc surgeon for some complications in the breast where I had bc - he said it is long term effects from radiotherapy. Had a mammo and ultrasound and the radiologist agreed. Wish they had told me of these long term effects before. Thankfully, no new tumours found.
Surprisingly, he has now referred me to a Professor of Endocrinology - complex "multi factorial problems" as he put it. With being on steroids for Crohn's some 30+ years, and now on Arimidex for breast cancer, my bone density has been seriously depleted. Because my bc had spread to my lymph nodes he wants me to stay on Arimidex, but he, and I , know it does not protect the bones like tamoxifen does, but has a better survival from recurrence. A catch 22 he told me.
I have been taking alendronic acid (bisphosphonate) for a year now, with Calchichew/Vit D, but my bone density is getting less. Initially due to Crohn's/steroids but excaberbated now by Arimidex. There is a new drug called Zoledronic Acid, which is given as a yearly infusion in the hospital( as opposed to the weekly tablet I take) which has shown a 30% better prognosis against fractures. I had two spontaneous fractures in both feet last year and was in a wheelchair for a month and on crutches for another month. I don't want to go through that again. Hopefully this endocrinologist can sort out proper medication to sort out the bone loss without compromising my breast cancer situation. I do live in hope, live positively, what will be will, but know I have to be proactive with my health problems.
Sylks.. I have the same problems as you with my hands... haven't really talked to any of my doctors, because it is not their speciality and we have socialised medicine in England. The middle finger of my right hand is so deformed now I hardly dare look at it, the index finger is going the same way. My left hand has the same problem with the middle finger, bent like the right one. Sometimes I can just be sitting down and the pain is unbearable or it can even wake me up in the night. I take some 5 drugs a day for Crohn's and breast cancer, and self inject chemo (methotrexate once weekly) so don't want to add any more drugs to my system. I can live with the pain rather than more side effects from other drugs.
That's it for me tonight - very relieved not to have had a bc recurrence, but now have to face a resection of my small intestine. My gastro rang last week, said my recent MRI showed two strictures...he is waiting for the radiologist's report before we discuss resection surgery.
Hey ho - still got a smile on my face when I wake up in the morning and not 6 ft underground. I just love life and although being positive will not cure me of either disease, sure does make living each day more joyous. My doctors say they don't know why I am so positive - but there really is no alternative is there?
Liz.
Surprisingly, he has now referred me to a Professor of Endocrinology - complex "multi factorial problems" as he put it. With being on steroids for Crohn's some 30+ years, and now on Arimidex for breast cancer, my bone density has been seriously depleted. Because my bc had spread to my lymph nodes he wants me to stay on Arimidex, but he, and I , know it does not protect the bones like tamoxifen does, but has a better survival from recurrence. A catch 22 he told me.
I have been taking alendronic acid (bisphosphonate) for a year now, with Calchichew/Vit D, but my bone density is getting less. Initially due to Crohn's/steroids but excaberbated now by Arimidex. There is a new drug called Zoledronic Acid, which is given as a yearly infusion in the hospital( as opposed to the weekly tablet I take) which has shown a 30% better prognosis against fractures. I had two spontaneous fractures in both feet last year and was in a wheelchair for a month and on crutches for another month. I don't want to go through that again. Hopefully this endocrinologist can sort out proper medication to sort out the bone loss without compromising my breast cancer situation. I do live in hope, live positively, what will be will, but know I have to be proactive with my health problems.
Sylks.. I have the same problems as you with my hands... haven't really talked to any of my doctors, because it is not their speciality and we have socialised medicine in England. The middle finger of my right hand is so deformed now I hardly dare look at it, the index finger is going the same way. My left hand has the same problem with the middle finger, bent like the right one. Sometimes I can just be sitting down and the pain is unbearable or it can even wake me up in the night. I take some 5 drugs a day for Crohn's and breast cancer, and self inject chemo (methotrexate once weekly) so don't want to add any more drugs to my system. I can live with the pain rather than more side effects from other drugs.
That's it for me tonight - very relieved not to have had a bc recurrence, but now have to face a resection of my small intestine. My gastro rang last week, said my recent MRI showed two strictures...he is waiting for the radiologist's report before we discuss resection surgery.
Hey ho - still got a smile on my face when I wake up in the morning and not 6 ft underground. I just love life and although being positive will not cure me of either disease, sure does make living each day more joyous. My doctors say they don't know why I am so positive - but there really is no alternative is there?
Liz.
Hi all - well, had a 4 hr session at the hospital yesterday, initially with my bc surgeon for some complications in the breast where I had bc - he said it is long term effects from radiotherapy. Had a mammo and ultrasound and the radiologist agreed. Wish they had told me of these long term effects before. Thankfully, no new tumours found.
Surprisingly, he has now referred me to a Professor of Endocrinology - complex "multi factorial problems" as he put it. With being on steroids for Crohn's some 30+ years, and now on Arimidex for breast cancer, my bone density has been seriously depleted. Because my bc had spread to my lymph nodes he wants me to stay on Arimidex, but he, and I , know it does not protect the bones like tamoxifen does, but has a better survival from recurrence. A catch 22 he told me.
I have been taking alendronic acid (bisphosphonate) for a year now, with Calchichew/Vit D, but my bone density is getting less. Initially due to Crohn's/steroids but excaberbated now by Arimidex. There is a new drug called Zoledronic Acid, which is given as a yearly infusion in the hospital( as opposed to the weekly tablet I take) which has shown a 30% better prognosis against fractures. I had two spontaneous fractures in both feet last year and was in a wheelchair for a month and on crutches for another month. I don't want to go through that again. Hopefully this endocrinologist can sort out proper medication to sort out the bone loss without compromising my breast cancer situation. I do live in hope, live positively, what will be will, but know I have to be proactive with my health problems.
Sylks.. I have the same problems as you with my hands... haven't really talked to any of my doctors, because it is not their speciality and we have socialised medicine in England. The middle finger of my right hand is so deformed now I hardly dare look at it, the index finger is going the same way. My left hand has the same problem with the middle finger, bent like the right one. Sometimes I can just be sitting down and the pain is unbearable or it can even wake me up in the night. I take some 5 drugs a day for Crohn's and breast cancer, and self inject chemo (methotrexate once weekly) so don't want to add any more drugs to my system. I can live with the pain rather than more side effects from other drugs.
That's it for me tonight - very relieved not to have had a bc recurrence, but now have to face a resection of my small intestine. My gastro rang last week, said my recent MRI showed two strictures...he is waiting for the radiologist's report before we discuss resection surgery.
Hey ho - still got a smile on my face when I wake up in the morning and not 6 ft underground. I just love life and although being positive will not cure me of either disease, sure does make living each day more joyous. My doctors say they don't know why I am so positive - but there really is no alternative is there?
Liz.
Surprisingly, he has now referred me to a Professor of Endocrinology - complex "multi factorial problems" as he put it. With being on steroids for Crohn's some 30+ years, and now on Arimidex for breast cancer, my bone density has been seriously depleted. Because my bc had spread to my lymph nodes he wants me to stay on Arimidex, but he, and I , know it does not protect the bones like tamoxifen does, but has a better survival from recurrence. A catch 22 he told me.
I have been taking alendronic acid (bisphosphonate) for a year now, with Calchichew/Vit D, but my bone density is getting less. Initially due to Crohn's/steroids but excaberbated now by Arimidex. There is a new drug called Zoledronic Acid, which is given as a yearly infusion in the hospital( as opposed to the weekly tablet I take) which has shown a 30% better prognosis against fractures. I had two spontaneous fractures in both feet last year and was in a wheelchair for a month and on crutches for another month. I don't want to go through that again. Hopefully this endocrinologist can sort out proper medication to sort out the bone loss without compromising my breast cancer situation. I do live in hope, live positively, what will be will, but know I have to be proactive with my health problems.
Sylks.. I have the same problems as you with my hands... haven't really talked to any of my doctors, because it is not their speciality and we have socialised medicine in England. The middle finger of my right hand is so deformed now I hardly dare look at it, the index finger is going the same way. My left hand has the same problem with the middle finger, bent like the right one. Sometimes I can just be sitting down and the pain is unbearable or it can even wake me up in the night. I take some 5 drugs a day for Crohn's and breast cancer, and self inject chemo (methotrexate once weekly) so don't want to add any more drugs to my system. I can live with the pain rather than more side effects from other drugs.
That's it for me tonight - very relieved not to have had a bc recurrence, but now have to face a resection of my small intestine. My gastro rang last week, said my recent MRI showed two strictures...he is waiting for the radiologist's report before we discuss resection surgery.
Hey ho - still got a smile on my face when I wake up in the morning and not 6 ft underground. I just love life and although being positive will not cure me of either disease, sure does make living each day more joyous. My doctors say they don't know why I am so positive - but there really is no alternative is there?
Liz.
I have been having symptoms of crohn or possible lupus. I have tests tomorrow. That is brought me to this web site. My dear i was 41 when i had a heart attack, i was in a wheel chair for several months.By the grace of our good lord i am able to move about now (46). I will pray for you.
I have Crohn's as well - had an ileostomy on 2/2/88 - my osteoarthritis has been developing for 15 years or so - all the fingers of my left hand are somewhat deformed from it. So far 2 fingers of my right hand have the arthritis deformity. Today I was diagnosed with GOUT of all things - it formed in the first joint of the middle finger of my right hand (hurts to be typing this). I'm back on prednisone for 5 days and Aleve. That's why I'm writing about your arthritis - aleve or the generic sold by Wal Mart as Equate - has been great for my arthritis over the years. Highlyl recommend it for inflammation reduction (and it doesn't hurt the stomach). An MD in CA told me I should use it as often as I needed it (this is after it no longer needed a prescription to get) until the calcium deposits were finalized in my joints. He was right. Certainly not happy to hear my future may include psoriasis. I also have COPD and can look forward to perhaps not being able to feel my extremities at some point. Good for dealing with the stoma (NOT!) smile
Hi Jennifer - I also have psoriasis - from what I have learned these past years, most patients with Crohn's do get psoriasis. The methotrexate I take for Crohn's also helps to keep the psoriasis under control. I don't know what DDD is - can you enlighten me? Are you taking any medication for the arthritis? I have found the pain has eased a lot since taking Alendronic Acid and Calcichew/Vit D.
Liz.
Liz.
Hey there
I think I just read my symptoms, crazy ey? Today I read where psoriasis and Crohn's can be related. I am a borderline Crohn's patient with psoriasis and severe arthritis in my hip and pelvic area, causing night pain; excrutiating pain in the groin, pelvic & hip area. Have to flop over in bed because it hurts for the mattress to touch that side. Also, with having DDD, do you think that nerve entrapment could be causing this or just arthritis? If it is just arthritis, I should be in a wheelchair by the time I'm 50 because it's gotten so much worse over the last 4-5 years.
I think I just read my symptoms, crazy ey? Today I read where psoriasis and Crohn's can be related. I am a borderline Crohn's patient with psoriasis and severe arthritis in my hip and pelvic area, causing night pain; excrutiating pain in the groin, pelvic & hip area. Have to flop over in bed because it hurts for the mattress to touch that side. Also, with having DDD, do you think that nerve entrapment could be causing this or just arthritis? If it is just arthritis, I should be in a wheelchair by the time I'm 50 because it's gotten so much worse over the last 4-5 years.
Hi to a fellow Crohnie!! I don't know how I made it this long either - must be my stubborn nature.
I am having an MRI on my pelvis on 15th Nov as a recent endoscopy showed a stricture in the small intestine. Gastro is talking about resection once he sees how bad it is. I have never had any of my bowels resected, just a laparatomy for diagnosis as colonoscopy was not available in England in 1970. Can't say I am looking forward to the surgery, if I need it, but gastro said if the stricture gets too narrow for food to pass through, it will burst, with fatal consequences. I am currently doing well on self injected methotrexate, 12.5 mg weekly. Just have the normal morning session of diarrhea then okay the rest of the day. What are you taking, and how are you doing?
regards,
Liz.
I am having an MRI on my pelvis on 15th Nov as a recent endoscopy showed a stricture in the small intestine. Gastro is talking about resection once he sees how bad it is. I have never had any of my bowels resected, just a laparatomy for diagnosis as colonoscopy was not available in England in 1970. Can't say I am looking forward to the surgery, if I need it, but gastro said if the stricture gets too narrow for food to pass through, it will burst, with fatal consequences. I am currently doing well on self injected methotrexate, 12.5 mg weekly. Just have the normal morning session of diarrhea then okay the rest of the day. What are you taking, and how are you doing?
regards,
Liz.
wow! thought i was only person on earth to survive Crohn's for 35 years. This is my first time on this web site, but if i can get this to post, you and i could really swap some good stories Lazymule.
Yes, Shebah is right on the ball - there is an unusual type of arthritis associated with Crohn's. It is part of the auto-immune syndrome. I have had Crohn's for 37 yrs but just this last year been diagnosed with arthritis in both hips, feet and hands - sometimes the pain in those areas is unbearable, especially when sleeping. I can't remember when I last had a good night's sleep. I toss and turn all night, the pain subsides when I turn over, but comes back an hour later. I still haven't figured out a way to deal with it - guess I should now see a rheumatologist. I also have breast cancer and was concerned it could be bone metastases, but the bone scan showed arthritis.,.not osteoporosis, just osteopenia. I am now on a bisphosphonate, Alendronic Acid once a week, and twice daily Calcichew/VitD tablets twice daily. However, the DEXA bone density scan (a different test) shows severe thinning of my bones due to some 30 years of steroids. Seems at times like being between the devil and the deep blue sea, but I do plod on and am grateful for my life.
Liz.
Liz.
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