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Posted 7/16/2013 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,
So the past few months I have had really bad joint pain, night sweats
and debilitating fatigue. I was referred to a Rheumatologist by
my GP. He was thinking Lupus. Rheumy is saying it might be
complications of UC, but I'm currently not having a flare.(Thank God)

My q is has anyone else been through this? I always come here
first because everyone here has always been knowledgeable and
helpful! Thanks everyone!
Posted 7/16/2013 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Jade,

Joint pain is definitely a manifesation of UC for some.

I've been in a flare this year and experienced flitting joint pain. I went to my doc and he did a blood test and my rheum factor was high. This could imply RA or Lupus as well as a few other autoimmune conditions. However my doc said it was coincidental that the joint pain and bowel flare occurred at same time. I had no swelling or RA nodes. So he ordered x-rays which showed my joints were normal and no sign of an inflammationary process. He's not ruling anything in or our but he concedes that joint pain can be tied to UC.

Night sweats and fatigure are very much UC symtoms too so you should definitely not neccessarily correlate these with some other condition. Do you have swelling, pain in your joints?

Best advice I think is try and get your flare under control and then see how this affects the other symptoms
Posted 7/16/2013 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Jade13, what meds are you taking for your UC? Some of them can cause lupus (like Humira).
Posted 7/16/2013 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
I'm am just taking 50mg of 6mp right now. It has worked great for
me. I am just confused by all of this. I have never felt this way
before and being that I am not in a UC flare makes it all the more
confusing. The fatigue and joint pain has made me take short
term disability. I work as a surgery tech so UC and these new
symptoms have really took a toll on my job.. :(
Posted 7/16/2013 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like possible side effects of your medication:

mercaptopurine Oral Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may occur. Temporary hair loss may also occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, dizziness/fainting, joint pain/swelling, tongue/mouth sores or pain, unusual tiredness, symptoms of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: symptoms of possible lymphoma (such as swollen or painful abdomen, persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss), change in amount of urine, pain in the lower back/side.

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Posted 7/16/2013 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
What you describe are symptoms of uc, they are side effects of some of the uc meds, and they also could be signs of extra-intestinal complications. Extra-intestinal complications occur in approximately 20-25% of patients with IBD and that could be any other auto immune-related disorder.

Sounds like a conundrum your drs will have to sort out:

  • Yes, when your uc is flaring then you see the symptoms you describe. If you are not flaring then perhaps you can cross this one out.
  • Yes, when you add a new uc medication or change the dosage of those medications then you look out for those symptoms you describe. If you haven't added or changed medications then it is unlikely you will suddenly get those symptoms mid-course. So, perhaps cross this one out too.
  • Yes, it is possible you could have extra-intestinal complications, like Lupus you mentioned (which is another auto-immune disorder). Tests would have to be run by your drs to find out for sure. With uc, our immune systems have basically gone crazy and attack our intestines. Sometimes our immune systems attack and cause inflammation issues elsewhere in our bodies as well.
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