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10 year old UC/Arthritis

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Posted 8/26/2009 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I just posted this in the Arthritis forum, but realized I probably should have posted here instead. I'm new to the site but not to UC. My daughter who has UC and who has been fine (no flares, no medicine) for the past 6 years, has had excruciating arthritis that jumps from joint to joint after being on a round of Omnicef for an ear infection. In the past, she has always gotten joint pain whenever she goes on an antibiotic but it has always gone away after a couple of days. This bout with arthritis has lasted 3 months. Rheumatologist said it was UC related. Two C-Diff tests have come back negative, no diarrhea or anything but her colonoscopy showed inflammation in her colon so she is now on Asacol, VSL#3 and Florastor. I'm thinking of asking her doctor to switch to Sulfasalazine since I heard it helps with Arthritis, but before I go through the hassle of changing meds, does anyone know if it would help in this type of arthritis that jumps around? Has anyone had this happened to them after being on an antibiotic? Also, has anyone tried acupuncture to help with the arthritis symptoms? Sorry for all the questions, but she can barely walk because of the Arthritis. Thanks!
Posted 8/26/2009 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like she has Peripheral arthritis and if it's any consolation, this type of arthritis does not do joint damage such as the other forms (RA, SA etc). Yes Sulfasalazine can help as long as she is not allergic to Sulfa. It is also safe for her to take Tylonel - childrens or Junior depending on her weight. This may help with some of the joint pain.
Posted 8/26/2009 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
I agree, Tylenol may help, and even maybe some regular walking (on her good days of course). Once the inflammation dies down the arthritis might, too.
Posted 8/27/2009 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Tylenol usually works, but she had 2 doses yesterday and it did not help at all. I finally broke down and gave her junior strength motrin this morning because she was in so much pain. That did the trick and she was able to go to school the 2nd half of the day. Also, spoke to her GI and we are going to stop the Asacol, because I've been noticing a lot of bruises on her the past couple of days and she has not been playing sports or anything, and then today she had two bloody noses for no reason. GI did not seem to think it was related to Asacol but after researching it today, I think it could be related. She'll have to get blood work done to check her counts. I'm not sure how she will do on the Sulfasalazine because she has not been on it since she was first diagnosed, but she did fine on it back then. If this does not help her arthritis, I think I may try an Acupuncturist.
Posted 8/27/2009 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Be careful with the Motrin (once in a while is fine, and I totally understand that sometimes it's needed) because it can worsen bleeding. Hopefully the old medicine will help =)
Posted 8/27/2009 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
Are you in the states? If so and you have a Walgreens near you, go pick up a tub of Australian Dream. This is an arthritis pain cream and it works pretty well. It doesn't stink nor stain. Also, heat works wonders for this type of pain. Either have her soak in a nice hot tub or purchase a parrafin wax melter. With the wax, she would dip her hand, elbow, knee, foot etc in the wax a couple times, cover it and let the wax sit for a while. The moist heat not only feels awesome but it helps with the pain from arthritis too. And besides that, it's fun! LOL My daughter uses it just for the heck of it because it's just a fun thing to do but I use it for my arthritis.
Posted 8/27/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I am in Texas. I will go out today and get both. Thanks for letting me know about this. We tried the Thermacare heat wraps but they did not seem to work, and were painful to take off. This morning she had a little bit of pain, in a new area on her leg but she could walk much better than yesterday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she has a good day at school.

ElephantPipe, I know what you mean about the Motrin. I only give it to her on rare occasions when the pain lasts more than a day, Tylenol does not help and the pain is truly unbearable. I hope the Sulfasalazine works but I may try Flagyl too (long story, see my note in Kaitiesmommy's post).
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