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Inflammatory arthritis?

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Posted 7/2/2023 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately I'm back! I only return to this forum when my body isn't doing so well.

I've been in a mild flare for the last few months. I'm on Humira.

My right shoulder and my right knee have basically frozen. My knee won't bend or straighten all the way, and my shoulder won't raise all the way. I saw my GI who told me to go to a primary care doctor, then I saw my primary care doctor who ordered x-rays.

I'm wondering how common inflammatory arthritis is with IBD? I can't tell if my joint stiffness is being caused by the UC or if it's being caused by the Humira itself (joint pain is a side effect).

Update:
I tested positive for Lyme antibodies. My knee swelling and shoulder swelling are apparently classic late-stage Lyme symptoms.

Post Edited (magicbeans) : 7/3/2023 12:37:50 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 7/3/2023 8:43 AM (GMT 0)
There are lots of possibilities here. An inflammatory arthritis associated with your flare up is very common and occurs in about of 25 - 35% of IBD cases. Such would be classed as a form of spondloarthtropthy (Spa). Alternatively you may have a secondary autoimmune condition such as another form of Spa or something in positive rheumatoid sphere. There are well over 150 types of arthritis so you do need investigations here to determine the cause. It is also possible that the medication interaction is causing the problem. The problem is that joint pain is listed as a side effect in about 95% of all drugs known to man so again too much of an easy out for doctors and too much of an excuse to not carry out more diagnostics.

Get some scans done. Unfortunately an x-ray is prob the worst diagnostic tool for joint issues stemming from an inflammatory arthritis. Unless your inflammatory arthritis has well developed and there are clear joint erosions etc then an x ray will not give you much info. Worst still you may have some mild joint degeneration which is natural with aging and playing sports etc to which your doctor will immediately latch onto and brand your issues "wear and tear". Much better to have scans showing the health of the soft tissue, tendons, capsules and ligaments such as mri, ultra sound etc.

Do not settle for the "OA wear and tear argument" as causing your joint issues.
Posted 7/3/2023 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Update: I tested positive for Lyme antibodies. My one-sided knee and shoulder inflammation are classic Lyme symptoms.

So now I have Lyme disease on top of my UC :D
Posted 7/4/2023 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
😔 oh crap! It's good you had that test done...what is the treatment at this point, abx?

q
Posted 7/5/2023 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
Likely antibiotics, which i'm pretty scared of. I've done so much work on my gut microbiome and I'm scared the antibiotics will make my microbiome even worse. sad

At the same time, I can barely walk because of the joint inflammation.
Posted 7/5/2023 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
It has to be treated. I read that Amoxicillin or Doxycycline are abx of choice. I've never had problems with Amoxicillin, but I've never been on Doxycycline. I always use probiotics...I suggest you do as well.

Hang tough...hope the relief is soon for you.

q
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