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Arthritis or what the heck?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/4/2020 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have had back and muscle pain for over two years. I was told two years ago by the dr. It was from grief and guilt over my daughters passing. Dr. said my neck and shoulders were as tight as anyone she had ever seen. Off and on these symptoms would come and go. Just as covid 19 affected the world I walked on the treadmill and the next day was in terrible pain. The dr. Suggested muscle relaxers and physical therapy if no improvement. So a few weeks later of course there is no physical therapy open and restricted dr. Visits. Every day my muscles in my back feel as though I have been lifting weights, muscles are so tight in neck and shoulders, some muscle spasms, headaches, and even my calf muscles in legs feel balled up and now I get lots of toe cramps. My hips feel rusty like a tin man, but mostly I just ache. I have self diagnosed myself with everything from fibromyalgia to arthritis, but until I can get in to see somebody I take Tylenol and just wonder what the heck is going on. I am 68 years old, have crohns, and everyday feel like I pulled a muscle...all over. Very exhausting. Is this what arthritis feels like? Have you ever had anything like this...really as though my muscles are inflamed.

Post Edited (ragbag) : 6/4/2020 4:00:55 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/4/2020 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you're enduring way too much, and this is for more serious than the typical aches and pains of aging. Arthritis is a possibility, but if it's the wear and tear arthritis, know as Osteoarthritis, than it wouldn't likely be presenting everywhere. Commonly located in the knees, hips, lower/upper back. Osteoarthritis is caused by literally wearing out the cartlidge or disc material that cushions joints.

The other consideration would be Rheumatoid arthritis. This like Crohn's is an autoimmune disorder, and will affect the whole body. Good idea to see a Rheumatologist to get checked out on this.

In the meantime, and as treatment centers are starting to open back up, you might consider seeing a massage therapist or a physio. Aging isn't fun, but you shouldn't be expected to continue your life feeling this bad. It might take some time to get a proper diagnosis, and you'll have to be persistant. Hopefully in the meantime treating the symptoms will give you some relief. Keep us posted. Hope you get to the bottom of things soon.
Posted 6/4/2020 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Ragbag, I too think you should ask for a referral for a consult with a rheumatologist. Yes, it's possbile some of this could be osteoarthritis, however, it's best to be evaluated.

Something else, when is the last time you have had your vitamin D & B12 levels checked? If it's not been recent, ask your GP to order these labs.

Are you taking a muscle relaxer, if so are you taking it as directed? Have you tried either warm tub soaks or warm showers? You mentioned cramps in your toes, are you drinking plenty of water? I wasn't much of a water drinker & had horrible cramps in my thighs & feet. I have also been severely dehydrated & ended up in the hospital because it can be dangerous. Now, I drink water all the time, my cramps have stopped.

Take care.
Posted 6/5/2020 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
You should be taking a NSAID, like ibuprofen, so help the inflammation. Tylenol is for pain only. Here is a good article that talks about it.

https://www.iowaclinic.com/primary-care/acetaminophen-vs-ibuprofen-naproxen-which-pill-is-right-for-your-ills/

You sound like you have more muscle involvement that anything, so I don't think arthritis is the culprit. Hot baths with Epsom salts might help, anything that relaxes you, maybe some mild exercise -- just to get your blood moving! --
Posted 6/5/2020 10:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies and suggestions. I walk daily, do housework and shopping and help a little in the garden, slower than usual but I think I do a pretty good job of keeping moving. Wish I could take ibuprofen, but my gastroenterologist says with crohns that is a no no, and I only had a two week supply of muscle relaxers and don’t want to depend on them. I have had all my labs checked and drink lots of water and take hot showers twice a day. I am befuddled, but will get a referral for a rheumatologist soon to get some answers. Take care and stay safe out there. 💗

Post Edited (ragbag) : 6/5/2020 4:42:42 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/25/2020 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Have not gotten anywhere as when my dr. Ordered a rheumatologist referral for me the rheumatologist said I should see an orthopedist. I am going for physical therapy for my back pain, IF my ins. Company approves it. Physical therapist feels that due to two past knee effusions, I am favoring that knee, and She says my gait and my alignment are all out of whack. Says she thinks it is all muscles, so she gave me exercises and I am taking one thing at a time. She cannot of course be sure without an x-ray, but feels it has nothing to do with my crohns or arthritis.
Posted 6/25/2020 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Do NOT take ibuprofen which was recommended above. NSAIDs are NOT good for Crohn's AT ALL.

I have arthiritis in my back, and it doesn't feel like what you're describing. It sounds more like my fibromyalgia pain or muscle tension.

I actually wonder if a good chiropractor would help better, as well as a licensed massage therapist. If those don't help at all, then it leans towards fibro. I'd ask about something like gabapentin if that's the case.
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