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Arthritis and Colitis??

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/26/2010 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hey! So I went to see a rheumatologist today, as I had been experiencing considerable stiffness and joint pain in several areas of my body. It seemed beyond what I should be experiencing, and indeed it was. So, I am about to start Predinisone for a very short time as we wait for the Humera to be approved by insurance. I will have to inject it myself (great for someone who hates needles...), and can't deny I am a bit nervous about having to do that. Seems like every time I go to the doctor, it is something new! But, is anyone else here suffering from inflammatory arthritis? Any tricks/tips/hints to dealing with both?
Posted 10/26/2010 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
I've been dealing with some pretty mean axial arthritis flares since about 2005. I've been able to get my UC under control using fecal transplantation, but my arthritis won't go away. A couple of weeks ago, I relented. I saw a rheumatologist, got a Humira prescription and I should be getting my first shipment of pens in the mail tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes if you're interested.

I was able to find a certain level of arthritis relief by being really careful about what activities I was able to do and for how long, a mostly vegetarian and gluten-free diet (I still eat meat occasionally), taking the occasional NSAID just to be able to get a really good night's sleep, and trying to stay as strong and as fit as my body (and schedule) will let me.

My arthritis isn't nearly as bad as it was a few years ago, and I attribute this to the changes I made. But, ultimately, it wasn't enough. I'm still in pain every darn day and I just can't take it anymore.

Good luck.
Posted 10/26/2010 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
I get stiffness in the morning and it seems to coincide with my colitis being good or bad. My shoulders sometimes hurt pretty bad, and I can't hardly lift anything with any weight, but then another day it is completely gone, go figure.
Posted 10/26/2010 7:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am having AS and UC both.

I try to keep them under control with SCD.
Posted 10/26/2010 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
I'm stuck in a rut. Doctors don't know which type of arthritis I have. I believe I have the beginning of RA but the immune suppressor I am on is keeping it in check. But there are days that I just hurt. My hands are the worse, then my back, hips and knees. I take Tylonel Arthritis and occasionally Celebrex (except when I am flaring). Exercise also keeps my joints from becoming stiff. If I can't work out then I do minor things to keep me mobile.
Posted 10/27/2010 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
When was your last colonoscopy, Girlzilla? If your colon is chronically inflamed, you can experience joint pain/stiffness from that-- called an extrasystemic manifestation of UC. Some UCers also get joint pain from UC meds, though. Your best bet for proper diagnosis is a gastroenterologist who subspecializes in IBD treatment. I've had arthritic problems off & on for yrs with my left hip presenting the biggest nuisance. Usually arthritis-formula BenGay lotion helps me get over nagging aches. Make sure you're getting enough calcium & vitamin D daily-- very important for bones/joint health. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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