RLQ pain and pain sometimes in upper right thigh when walking

[Lulubelle]

Hello. Coming here is humbling as so many people have far worse struggles.

I have been in remission for several months but like many others, some symptoms never go away. Things were fairly predictable-ish, until the past several weeks. First, I noticed my energy evaporated, and my joints were more painful than usual. Then last weekend RLQ pain/tenderness started again. Then I noticed, as I would walk or bend over, the tenderness turned to pain and heaviness. Then as I would stand up, I sometimes have pain in my upper right thigh/groin area; this is something that is difficult to describe, but it seems tied to the RLQ pain.

I have not had surgery, and have been off steroids for several months.

We have not tried biologics, but have discussed this during the last flare, but my doc is concerned because I had a "very" positive TB test several years ago (and was treated with INH for 9 months).

My doc prescribed Cipro, then I phoned him again, and he added Amoxicillan and Bentyl as needed. That was two days ago, but I still have the pain and feel uncomfortable when I walk or move very much. At times I feel OK, but I notice my hand automatically goes to my right side every time I walk or move very much.

Thank you for reading this rambling note. If anyone can help me understand what is going on, I would appreciate it. My doc is great, but I think I have bothered him enough lately.
Blessings to all here...
:ybatty:

No surgery yet
Take 200 mg Plaquenil
3000 mg Sulfasalazine
Bentyl PRN

 

[theOcean]

The pain that you're describing sounds almost exactly like the sciatica pain I used to get -- it's considered to be a nerve pain, and it's awful. Try looking that up and see if that resembles what you're talking about.

I can also see why your doctor would want to put you on biologics/immunosuppressants, but TB showing up as positive is definitely worrisome and definitely a deterrent from that. Maybe you can ask to be put on entocort for now, which is similar to prednisone but milder and with less side-effects. I think it's also okay for people who have the TPMT gene.

 

[Lulubelle]

Thank you for responding. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and will look that up. I always thought sciatica was felt from the back, down to the back thigh, so I guess I better do more reading. Thank you again!

 

[DustyKat]

RLQ pain generally means you have terminal ileum involvement, so I assume that is where you have Crohn’s?

If so then inflammation of the TI may be causing that area of the bowel to come into contact with psoas muscle causing it to also become inflamed. The pain will normally be relieved somewhat when the leg is flexed but worsened when the leg is stretched if the psoas is involved. It does cause pain through the groin and down into the thigh and for my son walking became difficult and he developed limp.

Dusty. xxx

 

[three crows]

Hi Lulu. Sorry to hear you're having trouble. My first thought after reading your post is that I want you to be persistent and please don't feel as though you are bothering your doctor. I had extreme fatigue, RLQ pain and then eventually intermittent stabbing pains in RLQ. I had multiple visits with GI. He kept saying it was "just inflammation" in the terminal ileum and small intestine and to keep taking the Entocort. I said I thought I felt a mass. I could only feel it when laying flat on my back, not when standing or sitting. ANYway... so I went back to my PC doc and he did a much more thorough palpation exam of the RLQ (my GI never actually felt the mass) and sent me for a CT. Long story short... it wasn't "just inflammation". My small intestines were in a bad way, Ileocecal valve, appendix, cecum, etc. were ALL involved. Looking back on it, we should have done the CT sooner. So, be persistent. Call your doctor. If he blows you off, see another doctor. I don't mean to scare you. I just know for myself, I was REALLY ILL for about 6 months longer than I needed to be and it took a real toll on my health. Have you had any tests (colonoscopy, CT, small bowel follow through) recently?

 

[three crows]

I will check back to the thread later. I have experience with the inner thigh / groin pain too. Can address that (or other issues re: RLQ and my experience if you have more questions feel free to ask) in another post. I just have to get going because I have an appointment with my GI to discuss Humira today so I am sorry this comment might seem disjointed, I'm just in a hurry or I'll be late. hahaha