Predict flare?

[Asher]

I've recently developed a new symptom: joint pain. I haven't seen my dr yet so I'm just assuming it is from crohns.


Should I be expecting a flare up soon since I've started getting this joint pain? The only meds I'm on are ASACOL and prednisone. I'm off prednisone in 2 days...

 

[Clash]

There are some form of joint pain(arthropathy) that run concurrent with CD flares but others run independent of active disease of Crohns.

A rheumatologist would be a good start as they are equipped to determine which form you are dealing with of if it is something entirely different. It would probably be best to find one that is familiar with the arthropathies that can accompany CD

Hope you find some relief.

 

[Asher]

So, I shouldn't go to my GI or PCP first? Should I just find a rheumi and start there?

 

[Clash]

That would depend on the type of insurance you have. We have ppo so no referrals are needed. Because of that I tend to go straight to the specialist. We did mention my son's joint pain to the GI and he said it was common with CD. I wanted more info than that since my son's knees would ache most often during aCD flare but his back ached constantly.

I had also mentioned to his GP in passing and he said it was probably just the Crohns.

At the first rheumatologist appt she did xrays, blood labs, and physical tests and said he had JSpA related to IBD. It is the juvenile form of spondylarthropathy and it requires a biologic and you need to have MRIs/stays to ensure there isn't fusion every so often.

Sometimes it's good to get the specialist of the issues to have a look.

 

[Asher]

Thank you that helps a lot.

I'm currently uninsured so I try not to go to the drs unless I feel like it's an emergency...but I also don't want to ignore a problem and it get worse!

blah, crohns is annoying haha

 

[Clash]

You could bring it up to your GI, he could check your levels make sure your numbers look goo. There are a number of members that have joint pain with their CD flares, this type usually abated when you get you CD under control.