Joint pain... Chrons?

[bnka]

joint pain... Chrons?

Hello, I have just been diagnosed with low grade Chron's Disease, with inflammation in my lower intestine. This was diagnosed with a colonoscopy, stool sample, MRI, and blood work. The thing is, I don't have any of the typical Chron's symptoms, nothing bothers me like indigestion or bowel movements or abdominal pain. The only problem I have is really bad joint pain- in my ankles, feet, knees, fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders.

I had been diagnosed with palindromic rheumatism in the past, but my rheumatologist now thinks that was incorrect. He saw markers for colitis or Chron's in my blood work and sent me to the GI. After all the tests mentioned above, the Dr. said I have Chron's.

I find it hard to believe that with such a mild case of Chron's (again, I have no symptoms and nothing would have ever caused me to think of visiting a GI) can cause such severe joint pain for years.

Has this happened to anyone else? The doctor has perscribed Pentasa for me, and thinks that will relieve my joint symptoms as well. Has anyone taken this medication? I thought I would have some other form of arthritis like RA, but my rheumo says no...

Any advice or experiences are appreciated. I'm a bit worried about having this chronic condition and having to treat it with meds without any real symptoms. Thanks in advance.

Rebecca

 

[Astra]

Hiya Rebecca
and welcome

Yes, me!
I have a mild case of Crohn's, no symptoms.
But horrific joint pain, all the time, maybe it's my age, I'm nearly 48, but I think it's all part of being a Crohnie!
I take Pentasa too, have done for 5 years now, dunno if it's doing anything.
I also take 25mg of Amitriptyline, I love this med, it's been a godsend, I'm sleeping better and my joint pain isn't half as bad lately, maybe cos it's Summer and warm?
Always feel better in the sun!
Anyhoo, enjoy our forum Rebecca
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[bnka]

Hey Joan, thanks for writing!

I don't think it's your age. I'm 32 and have had pretty bad pain for a few years. Some weeks it goes away, others it's hard for me to dress and open jars. So your doctor have never diagnosted you with any other form of arthritis? Also, has it been hard (mentally) to continue to take the Pentasa without having any typical Chrons symptoms and without even knowing if the Pentasa is working? The Pentasa hasnt' seemed to relieve the joint pain? (that's what my rheumatologist and GI doc are thinking will happen.)

Hugs,
Rebecca

 

[xJillx]

Hi Rebecca and welcome! Each Crohn's case is so different. When I was first diagnosed, I had hardly any symptoms at all. More have developed with time, but I still don't experience the level that others do. So, it is quite possible your Crohn's manifest in your joints. I sure hope Pentasa helps take the pain away. Good luck!

 

[Astra]

Hiya Rebecca

I see Pentasa as my maintenance med. I see it as an aspirin like med, anti inflammatory.
I believe it's keeping me stable tho, maybe it's not, but I will continue with it. Maybe it's helping with the joint pain, I dunno? I've been on it for nearly 6 years now.
Docs say I've got Arthur in my neck, so no, not had a dx of it elsewhere. It's a Crohnie thang!
When it's bad it's an indication to slow down and rest or I'll hit the deck!
I swear by eating tons of Omega3 foods such as fish, I also take Cod liver oil with Omega 3 and vitamin D, I believe these help me too.
Try the Pentasa, you never know! I haven't had any side effects with this med neither.
xxx