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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/9/2023 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I've had mild-moderate pan colitis since 2014, now (currently) in remission with Azathioprine. But for several years I've had mildish joint aches, muscle stiffness ... I sort of feel like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, not getting enough oil. For instance, when I get up from sitting for a while, the first few steps I feel about 85 years old, then when everything gets going, I move fine.

My Rheumatologist seems to think this is probably related to the bowel disease. And from what I've read online, it seems like joint problems are a fairly common extra-intestinal manifestation of UC.

Has this been your experience, as well?

Thanks,
DeWayne
Posted 3/9/2023 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
I had debilitating shoulder pain for two months, and now I have an inflamed knee with limited range of motion. I'm 31 but my body feels like it's 80 right now. Random joint pain is very comorbid with UC, unfortunately.

CBD and acupuncure are helping enormously, though!
Posted 3/9/2023 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, many have muscle & joint pain. Looking back at your prior posts you indicated back in 2018 that you were diagnosed with MCTD, did this diagnosis change for some reason?
Posted 3/9/2023 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
I sometimes feel like that, but I have blamed it on getting older. Is the stiffness in your knees, hips, or back?
Posted 3/10/2023 4:15 AM (GMT 0)

straydog said...
Yes, many have muscle & joint pain. Looking back at your prior posts you indicated back in 2018 that you were diagnosed with MCTD, did this diagnosis change for some reason?

Yes, I just saw a new Rheumatologist who actually doesn't think I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, but that my aches and pains are probably due to my colitis. (MCTD is kind of controversial in the sense that not all Rheumatologists believe in it).

That's what prompted me to ask here about general aches and pains in joints/muscles.

DeWayne
Posted 3/10/2023 4:16 AM (GMT 0)

CCinPA said...
I sometimes feel like that, but I have blamed it on getting older. Is the stiffness in your knees, hips, or back?

Actually, my issue at the moment is primarily in my elbow and forearm. But when getting out of a chair, my knees do often feel older than the rest of me! So far, my back and hips are fine.

DeWayne
Posted 3/10/2023 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
For knee problem you could try OTC glucosamine-chondroitin sold in tablet and capsule forms, from 500/400 units per tab/capsule and stronger available. My gastro advised to start with 1 500/400 tab or capsule daily because higher doses can cause gassy stomach. That low dose works for me; knees cooperate when I need to get up from a seated position. (A big help when using mass transit for 30 minutes or longer!) The OTC packaging will usually advise to take 3 tabs or capsules daily. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)
Posted 3/11/2023 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
In addition to the glucosamine-chondroitin you could use voltaren gel as a topical to help with pain relief.
Posted 3/12/2023 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, everyone, for your responses. I appreciate the suggestions and sharing of your experience.

DeWayne
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