Severe joint pain

I had my ostomy reversal for UC the first week in Nov. and for the past few weeks I’ve been experiencing severe joint pain. I’m 37 and should not be this sore at my age- I feel like an elderly person. Today i was out shopping and actually wish i had a cane with me!

Background- I have been flaring on and off for years and was on 60mg since February. I tapered down to 20 but wasn’t able to get lower until after my surgery. I was totally off pred after my first surgery- as of late sept. I did have other withdrawal symptoms that i was able to get through- dizziness whenever I lay down or get up, horrible headaches and nausea. It wasn’t until that stuff was gone that this joint pain kicked in.

I hurt all the time- fingers, wrists, elbows (just recently), hips and knees are the worst, and feet and ankles. It even hurts to roll over in bed. I have to get my balance and stand for a min when I get up from sitting or the couch bc I’m so instead on my feet. I shuffle around like a little old lady. It’s embarrassing especially when I feel so good otherwise. It’s also hard to explain to my friends and coworkers hat I’m sore and that’s why I walk funny. I can’t open drinks or medicine. I tried to carry a box into the kitchen tonight and i kept dropping it bc my thumbs couldn’t grip it.

I went to my primary who ran tests for arthritis and lupus and everything came back normal except my sed rate- it’s at 40 and normal is <20 according to my paperwork. My primary is sending me to a rheumatologist which i think is a good idea. But I still wonder if it could be the pred withdraw. Maybe symptoms were late kicking in bc I was so busy with recovering from surgery. Anyone else had this? Do you think the Rhum doc will be able to help??

Hi, I am much the same. Its been two months now since my last dose of pred. I have a rhumy appointment.....just to check me out but i am certain its pred withdrawel.

I’d ask the Doctor if having recent surgery (your body healing) if that can raise your sed rate temporarily.