Just diagnosed and full of questions

[TheBestGenevieve]

Hello to all! I was just diagnosed with what my GI referred to as "severe" Crohn's disease a few weeks ago, and am very glad to have found a community of people who can understand what I'm going through. I had my first flare-up last December, which they were unable to diagnose (I was treated with Metronidazole and Cipro, so my insides eventually calmed down). However, I got sick again last month, waited too long to go to the doctor, and ended up being admitted to the hospital for eight days. The only real upside to the hospital stay is that I got my diagnosis, so at least I know sorta what's going on. Right now I'm on Metronidazole, Cipro, Prednizone, and I just started Mercaptopurine a few days ago, but I'll be tapering off of everything but the Mercaptopurine. I feel relatively healthy for the time being, but I was wondering how other people reacted to being on the Mercap long term, because my doc says it won't fully take effect for up to three months.
Strangely, one of my most bothersome symptoms right now is migratory joint pain, which I've been told is my new arthritis- a bonus malady! When I write, or do other small motor functions, both of my middle fingers will suddenly hurt quite badly, and want to pull down/off to the side of their own volition. Has anyone else experienced this, or had any luck figuring out how to fix it? The only thing I can do is physically hold them back from moving, which is painful and takes a couple minutes each time.
Sorry this is so long-winded, I have tons of questions, and am very pleased to have found a group of people that will hopefully be able to help

 

[Isla]

My pinkies do this when I actually write something. I avoid writing pretty much at all but typing doesn't effect me so I do that all day. I am pretty positive mine has nothing to do with arthritis, so not sure if I could be helpful on that front.

Welcome to the forums, hospital stays are no fun but glad you got a diagnosis and are starting down your road of discovering what will work for you!

 

[butt-eze]

Welcome! I believe the medication you're on some people call 6-MP, I could be wrong. I haven't tried 6-MP but did try azathioprine twice and failed it both times. Failture for me meant throwing up, dehydration, and continued diarrhea.

As for joint pain-that is my biggest complaint with my crohn's right now. I just started Humira last Thursday. Fingers crossed that this makes a difference. As for your pain I'm not sure what to suggest to fix it. I would assume that has your flare calms down your joint pain should follow.

Good luck and keep asking questions-you're not alone.

 

[Guest]

hi & welcome

yep - i have the joint aches too, not a pleasant thing to cope with in addition to everything else Crohns throws at us.

i was wondering if the sensation you're getting in your fingers could be a cramp spasm? maybe try increasing your fluid & salt intake a bit, just for 24 hours, & see if it abates any?

 

[TheBestGenevieve]

Thanks for being so welcoming, it really helps And I've never heard of a cramp spasm, but that does pretty much describe what's been happening to my fingers. Hmmm, I think I'll definitely try the salt and fluid thing, thanks for the tip!!

 

[milesrlv]

I also had the funny hand spasms. I was told that this was caused by dehydration and as Mike and Kimberlie have said due to low electrolytes and would give you the same advise with regard to the potassium, bananas, gatorade, pedialyte, etc.

 

[TheBestGenevieve]

Yeah, my doctor recommended multi-vitamins but I haven't started them yet because I'm so sick of swallowing pills, but if they'll help with the cramps I think it would definitely be worth it. Another question... I can't drink a drop of alcohol for the moment because of the meds, but I'm not sure how alcohol reacts with Mercaptopurine- has anyone tried it? It's been weeks since I've had a cocktail and it's starting to sound pretty good...