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arthritis and crohn's related?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/1/2008 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
I have been noticing that I keep having a recurring pain in my left wrist. It goes away and comes back at times. Last night my right ankle was hurting so bad that I could hardly stand on it! I only work part time so I have no job related injuries or have not been doing anything out of the ordinary that would put a strain on either place. I kept heat on my ankle last night and today it feels better. But my wrist is still very painful. I am only 23 years old so I wouldnt think that I should have artritis at this age. But my mom seems to think that is what it sounds like to her. Just wondering if Chrohns could be a cause? Im due for my remicade friday so Im hoping that will help some. Thanks for everyones help!!
Posted 5/1/2008 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I am 28 and diagnosed with Crohns at 27 and my most severe symptom is arthritis and it is bad to the point I cannot move, get up, etc. It affects my knees, hips, ankles, wrists and fingers (you don't want to see me when all areas are bad and super swollen....). It is one of the symptoms of Crohns but some people get it more severe than others. Currently a medical regime of Humira injections and Imuran have significantly helped with my arthritis but different people respond to medication and treatments differently. You should totally talk to your doctor about it. Best wishes!
Posted 5/1/2008 2:18 AM (GMT 0)

          Unfortunately, there is a specific type of arthritis associated with IBD, & Crohn's in particular. Its sort of a rheumatoid condition. It can migrate joint to joint too..

       I'm afraid you have it. Age means nothing with arthritis, except maybe osteoarthritis ( with which I am also personally acquainted.). Some kinds strike children under 10..

         Sincerely,

        Matthew

Posted 5/1/2008 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
As if we don't have enough to contend with having Crohn's. I have arthritis myself and the Rem does help ,unfortunately Crohn's and arthritis walk hand in hand.
Posted 5/1/2008 6:29 AM (GMT 0)
I have arthritis symptoms too and this was my primary problem long before I got intestinal symptoms.
My main complaint are my hips and I'm getting an MRI in two weeks to rule out anything severe but since my flare in Dec/Jan I've noticed more problems in my wrists, fingers and knees.

If one thing wasn't bad enough, eh?
Posted 5/1/2008 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
When I'm in a Crohn's flare, my ankles swell up to the point I cannot walked or drive. Usually takes 10 days to 2 weeks for the inflammation to go down enough for me to walk. Try explaining THAT to someone who thinks Crohn's is JUST a disease of the intestines...
Posted 5/1/2008 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thank all of you for your replies! Before my ankle started hurting it had only primarly been my left wrist and my fingers. I havent had any swelling its just all pain. This is the most wonderful website! I am very thankful for all ya'lls replies and support!!! I hope everyone has a fantastic day!!!
Posted 5/1/2008 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Sparkles, looks like you are begining to find out that with crohns,,,the fun never ends
Posted 5/2/2008 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I have CD and psoriasis. And I just learned something new......if your psoriasis presents on the scalp, you are more likely to have psoriatic arthritis.... yea me.
Posted 5/2/2008 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I am 26 and have just began to experience the joint pains associated with IBD. It's not fun.. people look at you funny when you complain about your wrists, fingers, knees and ankles hurting.. as if you are not old enough to be experiencing these types of pains. At first I thought I was seizing up or something from not working during my flare.. my doctor said it's all related to my Colitis. I find that since I started the Sulfa it's been more tolerable. Good luck with everything !!
Posted 5/2/2008 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
You are quite welcome. Please count on our support for whatever whenever. Someone is always here to talk..

Sincerely,
Matthew
Posted 5/4/2008 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
heres what ive discerned about crohn's and arthritis:

1. CD sufferers often get "peripheral arthritis" associated with their CD flares. This can occur in many joints simultaneously, and on either side of the body, but is not usually entirely symmetric. It does not usually affect the spine/axial skeleton. It is synovitis (not tendonitis/enthesitis). This kind of arthritis does little lasting damage, and is usually active only while intestinal disease is active.

2. Spondyloarthropathy associated with CD. Can present with peripheral and axial symptoms (SI joint, hips, spine). Synovitis as well as enthesitis (tendon inflammation). This kind of arthritis may take on a life of its own regardless of what the CD does.  For some people this kind of arthritis developes into full blown ankylosing spondylitis.

3. Ankylosisng apondylitis. A spondyloarthropathy as well. May be part of a spectrum of disease with crohn's. Some people with AS have intestinal inflammation, some people with CD/UC develope AS. Again, the problem here is with tendons (enthesitis), and axial skeleton involvement is prominent. hips and peripheral sites affected at times as well.

My story is this:

CD sx for 18 motnhs. 3 flares. the last started 2 weeks ago. for the first time, i developed bad night sweats and enthesitis EVERYWHERE. fingers wrists, elbows, feet, knees, then progressing to axial skeleton and costochondral joints.  worse with activity, not better. better on prepednisone for sure. Left SI joint hurts a bit at times.

im super freaked out. saw rheum guy last week, he just said hed never seen diffuse enthesitis like it before (usually hits 1-2 joints at a time), and that it was likely IBD related spondyloarthropathy. . . no suggestion about what to do next.

any thoughts?

 

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