Almost every joint in my body just aches!

[Olygal1215]

Though I was diagnosed in 2012, I just really learned of the non digestive symptoms of Crohn's. I had suffered from lower back arthritis since before I knew I had Crohn's but for many years I had been able to manage it with yoga and wearing a small sacroiliac belt under my clothes. But that doesn't really help me anymore. And in the last few months I hae noticed that its no long just my back that hurts, my knees, my hands, even my toes began to ache, and currently I am experiencing awful pain in all of the above all at once!

I don't really know what to do about it either. My GI doc has told me to avoid NSAIDs and I haven't taken any in almost 2 years. She said it was ok to take Tylenol, but that does nothing for my pain. So what can I do to treat this? I'm 37, and while I know I'm not really young anymore, I'm not an old lady yet. But I feel like I a lot of the time and I don't know what to do about it.

If anyone has any advice on things you've done to treat joint pain, I would surely appreciate it. Thank you!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Sorry to hear, these pains can be awful. Yes NSAIDS are dangerous with IBD and Tylenol is safe. Is extra strength Tylenol any help?

Is your crohns or arthritis being treated? There are drugs like Humira, Cimzia or Remicade that could work on both of your problems.

 

[colin324]

Might be worth asking about pain patches, such as Butrans - it's a slow release opiate/morphine type painkiller. You put the patch on for 7 days, and then replace. It might take a bit of adjustment to get the right dosage.

My GP tried me with Narproxen. After 2 days it felt like I was starting to flare, so best steer clear of the NSAIDs

 

[rrhood1]

You can also ask your doctor for a referral to a rheumatologist - preferably one that is knowledgable about Crohns. My rheum put me on Sulfasalazine after nearly 2 years of trying everything else. It works in conjunction with the Remicade and Methotrexate and has finally stopped the joint pain. I still get bad days with my lower back but nothing like before.

 

[VeganOstomy]

Actually, watch that Tylenol... it could make symptoms worse for Crohn's (yes, this is fairly recent news that your doc's likely aren't even aware of yet):

http://www.healio.com/gastroenterology/irritable-bowel-syndrome/news/online/%7B742a0d46-4a06-48f4-9b68-0cb7613445fd%7D/nsaid-acetaminophen-use-linked-to-higher-risk-for-active-disease-in-crohns-patients

 

[Essieluv]

I am in a similar situation. I was diagnosed with Crohn's a few years ago, but have recently developed autoimmune arthritis from Crohn's. I have very bad pain, and Tylenol does nothing. I can't really tell you anything that might help as I am still trying to work that out as well. However, maybe methotrexate would be an option? I am hopefully starting that soon for the arthritis, if all my blood work checks out. I am also going to my gp on Wednesday to see what they can do about my joint pain, and I'll let you know how it goes. I suspect it will just be something like Tramadol or upping my amitriptyline.