Colitus, arthritis and fibromyalgia (ptsd too)

I was told today by a healthcare professional that some researchers are now recognizing the correlation between colitus, arthritis, fibro. She also mention ptsd.

Has anyone else read anything about this? She said there are now looking at fibro being a precursor to RA. I can't find anything on this theory.

Thanks Sherry. I do know that many people don't believe in fibro (this isn't the case with this healthcare provider). I believe she found it interesting that there is research going on that is attempting to link all of them.

I'll keep looking for some kind of connection and post it if (or when) I find it. She has access to information I don't (obviously), but I am seeing her again soo so perhaps she will shed more light on the matter.

LeaLee, I am so glad that someone brought up the subject. I considered talking about the issue.

It seems to me that many of our female members also have Fibromyalgia and/or arthritis. My rheumatologist sees a relationship but not clearly defined. How many of us suffer from 2 or more of these issues? Its awful to suffer from belly pain and then joint and/or muscle pain along with all the other complications like bleeding, fatigue, embarrassing situations and brain fog, etc.

How are these conditions related?

As far as arthritis goes, there is a well-documented arthritis that occurs as an extra-intestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis.

Two PT's and a knowledgable personal trainer have suggested I have fibro, but I don't believe it. I think I do have a lot of joint, muscle, tendon and ligament pain, probably as part of the inflammatory arthritis worsened by not being able to move around as easily as I used to.

As far as docs thinking fibro doesn't exist or is a psychological problem, I can remember when the same was said of ulcerative colitis. It was considered a "neurotic" disease. Ever noticed that if it affects women more than men (or is more reported by women) and they don't know what it is, they pat us on the head and tell us it's imaginary?

@ledaebel - I think we are onto something here! All I have found is that RA and fibro is more common in women than men. It isn't easy is it?

@SHERRY - I am so glad I haven't run into anyone lately who thinks it isn't real!

@Judy2 - Yes, I have noticed that Judy, although none of the specialists I have seen in the past couple of years have been of that mindset. I've actually been lucky.

I have had fibro for 15+ years. My doctor (during that time) told me the aches and pains were nothing to concern myself over. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me it would get better. Yep. Nothing to concern yourself about lil' lady. lol

I have heard about the arthritis and UC connection, although I'm not sure they are even looking at that with me. I saw a Rheumatologist (finally) and she wants to see me again in 3 months. I was a little wary of the medication she offered, since I am on a ton of stuff. (17 pills/day) Yeesh. Apparently my results are a bit of a puzzle.

This brings to mind the brain/gut connection, no?

ledaebel - I wish I had written it down - but it was an immnosuppressive drug (I tried to look up the name but nothing looked familiar). I think it might also be known as a DMARD (?). I also have gout - which used to be thought of as impossible to have both RA and gout. Not so. I have been on indomethacin once, but she wants me to start colichine.

I'm so sorry to hear you are also going through so much and you are right - all of this is scary!

Good health to you too!

(I also have multiple allergies and reacted to an IV steriod once - like you did with prednisone!)

LeaLee, really talk to your MD, colichine 's biggest sideeffect is diarrhea.

Good idea LeaLee