Joint/Muscle Pain Help!

[CrohnsMedicalStudent]

Hello all!

I am a 25 yr old male, and a medical student ironically...I was diagnosed with Crohn's in the early fall of 2014. Had pretty significant GI symptoms and lots of migrating muscle and joint pain.

Unfortunately, there are lots of people in my family that also have Crohn's, namely my father and uncle (his brother) and lots of cousins.

I've been taking 3.6 grams of Lialda once daily, which has definitely improved my GI symptoms...but I still have some lingering muscle pain/tightness...I was previously worked up for all types of arthritis years ago before my Crohn's diagnosis, so I know I don't have RA or anything like that.

My GI doc is certain the muscle pain and tightness is due to the Crohn's.

If anyone else experiences this same thing...what do you use for muscle pain? What works for you? What doesnt? Thanks a lot for your time in advance!

(Currently I've tried Medrol Dose Packs (methylprednisolone), Voltaren gel, Vicodin, Nucynta, Lyrica...I couldn't stand the Lyrica, it didn't help and gave me pretty bad psychiatric and vestibular side effects, and obviously I'm trying to minimize my narcotic use, as it doesn't really treat the muscle inflammation, it just makes me care less about the pain. Voltaren gel sometimes works, and it is very, very expensive, even with insurance and copay cards)

Thanks to all...I'm hoping to find a successful regimen here!

 

[cantthinkstr8t]

I have constant joint pain, but also have other issues than Crohn's.

If it has been years since you have had a work up for other illnesses like arthritis, you might want to consider having them done again-just in case. Things can change over time.

I go to physical therapy 2 times a week which helps. They are working on strengthening the ligaments and tendons around my joints.

I know some people rave about massages-I don't like to be touched, so it doesn't work for me, but might for you.

I do love yoga and find I feel better after. It relaxes my body and my joints almost seem to "go back into place" if that makes sense?