Dont know what to think - imflammatory arthritis

[Catherine]

Hi All, can't say happy to be back.

A quick family update

DD1 - S current well and living Canada dx with Crohn aged 16. Now 29.

DD2 - R is well. Dx with UC aged 24. Now 27.

DD3 - K - long history of anaemia. Married expecting 2nd child in January. Has just had her first iron infusion. Aged 25.

My health has taken a turn for the worse. Long history of IBS. Dx of chronic gastritis via scope.
Dx with thumb arthritis is April 2024. Long standing pain hips dx as bursitis

Developed sore/dry eyes 2 months ago threatedfor pink eye both viral and bacterial never got better.

10 days ago woke with severe hip pain and new pain in both ankles and difficulty walking.. Generally felt unwell. Mild bowel symptoms.

Bloods tests and stool testing done. Stool testing clear.
Blood test were mostly clear. Except for some makers of imflammatory markers
Trans 2.03 (2.10 -3.80)
ESR 22
CRP 107.90

ANA 160 speckled.

Working Dx is imflammatory arthritis secondary to something. GP was thinking infection but second CRP 22. Now thinking IBD. No treatment for arthritis except pain relief as treatment would flare gastritis.

As told my dr I am much better but my fingers are swollen, hip pain has settled but ankles are still very sore and have difficulty moving but gets better with exercise. Dry eyes and mouth.

I have a referral to GI and faecal calprotectin test to be done.

 

[my little penguin]

Why can’t they treat your arthritis?
Methotrexate is commonly used in arthritis and does not flare the gut .
Sorry to hear you’re dealing with this .
My thoughts would be spondyloarthritis.
Given the history of IBD in the family.
Spondyloarthritis typically has a GI component either IBD or subclinical IBD (not enough to dx but enough to cause symptoms ) .
Hugs

 

[Catherine]

MLP,
Thanks as always. I need a underlining condition before getting a treatment plan. I have a GI appointment in mid January.

Moving slowing forward.

This flare seems to easing on its own

 

[Crohn2357]

MLP,
Thanks as always. I need a underlining condition before getting a treatment plan. I have a GI appointment in mid January.

Moving slowing forward.

This flare seems to easing on its own

Excluding nightshades, gluten, casein, and foods high in oxalates; in addition to consuming homemade bone broth every day has helped my (and many others’) arthritis.

 

[Crohn2357]

Heat increases arthritis (it’s one of the hallmarks of inflammation) so stay away from direct heat sources.

 

[Crohn2357]

The test results and the sudden spike in arthritis can be indicative of CD related inflammation. I’d also consider getting ultrasound and MRI screenings.

It could also be secondary to an infection, even a gastrointestinal infection as well. It would be useful to get a stool culture test to eliminate the latter possibility.

 

[Catherine]

Stool culture test were negative.

I had a xray and ct scan,

Awaiting on faecal calprotectin.

 

[my little penguin]

You can just have spondyloarthritis.
It is on the same genes as Crohn’s .
My dh just has spondyloarthritis and does not have UC or Crohn’s .
Good luck with the other tests .

 

[Maya142]

That's a high CRP @Catherine for arthritis. So I do think it makes sense to see your PCP, even though it's gone down.
Where is your hip pain? On the side of the hip? In front, near the groin? Do any joints seem swollen, besides your fingers?

Not all NSAIDs are created equal. My daughter has chronic gastritis and takes antacids for it, which allows her to take NSAIDs. One of my daughters takes Celebrex and the other Relafen. It's not ideal for her to be on a PPI but she had stop her NSAID for surgery last year and it because very clear how much it helps her. It was awful - she was in so much pain. So she definitely needs her NSAID and PPI despite the gastritis. Every now and then when her gastritis flares up, we give Carafate and that helps. You could also only take an NSAID for a little while to get to your appt.

Also, I know you know this, but if your eyes become red again, definitely see an ophthalmologist.

It is totally possible to have SpA and not have IBD. My one daughter and husband only have SpA.