Should I see Rheumatologist?

[kimmysue]

So, gastro says mabe Crohns, maybe not....started me on sulfasalazine 3000mg a day, and says he will re-scope in 60 days. I have been on it for 4 days, only been taking 1000mg a day, and just moved to 2000mg a day today. I loved the gastro I saw, but of course he didnt seem extremely interested in my body pain. I am happy to report that the last 2 days I have been able to eat more normally, which has helped my energy level a little.My biopsies they took from the ulcerated area in the large bowel came back as non-specific colitis, and the permethesis test was positive for crohns in some of the markers, but he said it wasnt a yes or no test, and he still wasnt convinced that it is crphns.. But, lord I just feel like I have been beaten, every muscle and joint in my body is screaming. The gastro did do some more labs on me, and my SED rate had come down from 39 to 20...and he also checked my CRP which wasnt originally done, so I cant say if its better or not, but it was 24.3.... my GFR(kidney function test) had dropped alot in the last 10 days from 89 which is very normal to 56 which bottom of normal is 60.
With all the joint and muscle pain, should I just go ahead and see a rheum or do I check with my gastro, or my regular internal med Dr? Any advice??

THanks

 

[outlier]

yes. inflammation that effects your gut can effect your joints. it might help with your diganoses

 

[Trysha]

Hello Kimmiesue
Sorry to hear of your painful experiences and hope you will soon be on the mend.
Is someone following your renal function? A GFR of 54 should be reviewed and tests repeated, as well as other biochemistry tests being done to monitor the situation.
It would appear time for you to be consulting at least one of your doctors and perhaps the internal medicine specialist might be the place to start.
This doctor can then send you to the most appropriate specialist for your current problems.
I would say both the GI and the rheumatologist would definitely be on the books.
Hope you will soon get the help you need .
Feel better
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha