Loose bowels after hemicolectomy

[SarahJWills]

I had a right hemicolectomy in January and have had loose B M's ever since, although recently more frequently and feeling worse. I am having Vitamin B12 injections 12 weekly, but more recently have discussed an Iron transfusion with my consultant. Something that is new to me - I am experiencing muscle spasm and aches at the base of my neck, my right arm and in my legs. Maybe this is completely unrelated, wondered whether anyone else has experienced this? Haven't looked into it, thought I'd be lazy and ask here first.

 

[ruthymg]

I had a right hemicolectomy last June and I only experienced the usual healing aches and pains. I would speak to your doc if I was you



Ruth

 

[Cog]

I would seriously talk to your Doctor about parasites. If you are taking that much B12 then there is potentially something else going on. I had B12 issues in the past and was told when I suggested this that the probability was very low. Well I saw a different Doctor who found parasites and gave me something for it. Well within 2 weeks for the first time in 20 years I got rosy cheeks. B12 levels returned to normal and all has been well since.
Good luck

 

[D Bergy]

Are you taking any medications that could cause the muscle spasms and aches?

D Bergy

 

[old hat]

Have you noticed any odd sensations in your arms or legs like tingling, numbness or a weird vibrating feeling? A feeling like a brief zap or shock?

 

[SarahJWills]

Hi there , I think you misunderstood I am taking vitamin B12 every 3 months (12 weekly) sorry. Currently I am not taking any medication, I had a barium follow through and I get the results tomorrow! Feeling a bit scared about it. I am also waiting for a colonoscopy. My consultant started me on pentasa but only as a precaution while waiting for the results, this seemed to make my symptoms worse so i am going to wait and see.
As for the pains they are getting worse my one ankle is now swelling. Yes I do get sharp pains but only when I move quickly. I have been reading about Ankylosing spondylitis, still not sure, I'm going to talk to the consultant tomorrow.

 

[Creepy Lurker]

Hi there , I think you misunderstood I am taking vitamin B12 every 3 months (12 weekly) sorry. Currently I am not taking any medication, I had a barium follow through and I get the results tomorrow! Feeling a bit scared about it. I am also waiting for a colonoscopy. My consultant started me on pentasa but only as a precaution while waiting for the results, this seemed to make my symptoms worse so i am going to wait and see.
As for the pains they are getting worse my one ankle is now swelling. Yes I do get sharp pains but only when I move quickly. I have been reading about Ankylosing spondylitis, still not sure, I'm going to talk to the consultant tomorrow.

I tend to get lots of joint issues when I have flare-ups. Neck, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees mainly.

Settles down when the flare-up goes down.

I'm pretty sure that Ankylosing spondylitis only affects the lower back.

 

[D Bergy]

Active inflammation seems to cause a host of other problems. this is not unique to Crohn's disease.

My wife's Lyme disease caused severe arthritis pain and many other symptoms. The inflammation is a protective reaction that is usually justified. In her case we were able to address the cause and resolve the symptoms.

Since the cause of the inflammation has not been resolved regarding Crohn's all anyone can do is try to dampen the immune response either using medications or other means. What worries me most about this type of inflammation is that it is likely not productive to begin with and could lead to many other permanent health issues down the road.

The good news is many people here have found ways to control it but the methods vary by individual.

D Bergy

 

[old hat]

I'm pretty sure that Ankylosing spondylitis only affects the lower back.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is a systemic rheumatic condition and can affect other joints and even organs in some cases. Fortunately, it is a rare complication and only affects 2-3% of people with Crohn's Disease. It is possible, but quite unlikely, that this is the problem.

 

[old hat]

As for the pains they are getting worse my one ankle is now swelling. Yes I do get sharp pains but only when I move quickly. I have been reading about Ankylosing spondylitis, still not sure, I'm going to talk to the consultant tomorrow.

Peripheral arthritis is a fairly common complication for people with CD. It usually affects the large joints of the legs and arms but can affect other joints as well. Fortunately, this form of arthritis does not usually cause lasting damage. That causes joint pain though not muscle pain.

Crohn's Disease is linked to magnesium deficiency especially in people who have had one or more ileal resections. That can cause these sorts of muscle and nerve problems. If so you may only need to eat a bit more fruits and dark green, leafy veggies or maybe take a Magnesium supplement. That's a big if though since I am just guessing.

 

[D Bergy]

I did not realize that Crohn's itself can cause a Mg deficiency. I knew that Lyme disease often caused this same problem. I guess it makes sense since absorption is impaired to begin with.

Since this deficiency is specifically mentioned with Crohn's it is not surprising that a few people have had problems concerning muscle aches, cramps, etc.

After reading more about the symptoms of Mg deficiency I can see that I have had several myself over the years. Saw it in my wife but completely overlooked it in my past history.

My personal signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, depression, muscle contractions and cramps, tingling, numbness, abnormal heart rhythms.

Here is the full list in the article link.

Signs of magnesium deficiency include confusion, disorientation, loss of appetite, depression, muscle contractions and cramps, tingling, numbness, abnormal heart rhythms, coronary spasm, and seizures.

http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/965927519.html

Magnesium is also included in several arthritis remedies and if memory serves me correctly calcium is not absorbed well without Magnesium.

For a naturalistic view read the following :

http://www.mercola.com/2004/aug/7/miracle_magnesium.htm

Learned many new things today. Thanks to all.

D Bergy

 

[Creepy Lurker]

Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is a systemic rheumatic condition and can affect other joints and even organs in some cases. Fortunately, it is a rare complication and only affects 2-3% of people with Crohn's Disease. It is possible, but quite unlikely, that this is the problem.

Thanks for that. I wasn't 100% sure.