Can it still be a flare?

[tots]

I just finished a course of Entocort and should start Cimzia next week.

My question is, can I be in a flare and have more arthritis pain than cramping and
diarrhea? My feet, hands (with a few fingers that no look deformed) and lower back are really painful right now. I almost think the back pain is from my CD in my large bowel. Any thoughts on that?

Any help on pain relief would be greatly appreciated!!


Lauren

 

[theOcean]

Yes, since arthritic pain is also an extraintestinal manifestation of IBD. Some people can even be asymptomatic and still have inflammation!

If your arthritis does continue even when you do eventually enter remission, it may be a good idea to ask for a referral to a rheumatologist.

As for pain... Tylenol is the only thing we can take safely without causing potential damage to ourselves.

Good luck with starting Cimzia!

 

[Saratay05]

Lauren
I too have had some arthritic changes and a shoulder injury that Tylenol doesn't seem to touch. (Even when my GI symptoms were at a minimum) I plan to talk to a rheumatologist as Ocean suggests, but in the mean time my doctor prescribed a transdermal Ketoprofen that is anti inflammatory and does wonders. It's made at a compounding pharmacy. It is applied like a lotion and massaged into the skin surrounding the effected area. It doesn't enter the GI tract and so doctor said it was ok to use. I have found it extremely helpful esp with my back aches.
Hope you feel better soon.