arthritis too?

Up until 3 months go, I never had any joint pain. Then I started noticing pain in my fingers overnight. I would wake up and feel like my hands had been clenched all night and were cramping up. My fingers would be stiff and not move smoothy for awhile-- like the joints would lock up when I tried to move them. Once I'm up for the day, the pain stops for the most part. I thought maybe it was stress causing me to clench my hands all night.

When I mentioned it to my GI he said it was probably arthritis. I've been on 6MP for about 6 months but he didn't think that was causing it. He didn't seem to think it was that big of a deal- other than indicating I still have inflammation even though I'm not having UC symptoms right now. I'm worried about it getting worse-- I'm only 33 and have a toddler so I'd like to get it under control. Does anyone know of anything I can do to? For people who have arthritis, does this sound like what it is?

Thanks,
Basil

basil, see my comments on UC_Guy7's thread.

I would push harder on your GI about possible connections between your joint pain and the 6MP. I don't know if that's a possible side effect, but perhaps it is and you should think about your choice of med.

Joint pain like you're describing is pretty common in arthritis and probably you should consult a rheumatologist.

I can understand your concern because finger mobility is crucial to household chores, let alone child care. Unfortunately, arthritic problems are common to UCers, and tend to hit us randomly. Your finger symptoms sound like what woke me one night this past February. I probably was clenching my left hand while asleep, and sudden pain jolted me awake. Since then my left ring finger has stiffened so that I can't bend it back to the palm. It's not continuously painful, but the normal range-of-motion is missing. According to comments posted on the HW Osteoarthritis Forum this is not unusual with finger joint arthritic involvement-- so you might want to look there to read what members experienced with it recommend as treatment. Like Sherbear, I'm not keen on consulting yet another doctor-- but I'll probably have to because a topical 30% salicylate ointment does not get rid of the symptoms. / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)