Tum in remission but everything else not?

[StepfordWife]

Hi everyone

I have finally tapered of the Pred after being on it for a few months now. I have also been on a low FODMAPs diet for a month and a half (apparently I have IBS as well as Crohn's).

I don't know if it is the Pred or the diet but my stomach is really good. No bloating and gas (big issues for me - hence the FODMAPS), no cramps or pain. So I guess my gut is in "remission". Which is great, really, but my joints and fatigue are just out of control. My knees and hips ache all the time and I just feel like I've been hit by a bus (exhausted). Still getting "bumps" in mouth after eating.

If my gut is in remission can it be that the rest isn't? I'm a little concerned. Maybe it's just coming off the steroids? I was pretty hyper and busy on them. I have felt like this before (and before I was diagnosed with Crohn's) I was told by a Dr "it's just depression making you feel like that". Surely depression can't cause pain? Anyone with any ideas? Thanks xxxx

 

[ekay03]

I think depression can cause pain but I dont know if that is what is going on w/ you. I know this is probably no no, but I am going to suggest a drug that has help me tremendously. Cymbalta, it is actually an anti-depressant that really does work for body pain. I saw an ad for Cymbalta on the TV and I asked my doctor about it. He prescribed it to me and has really done wonders for my body pain. I used to feel like I was run over by a bus, no I dont feel like a was run over by anything!

 

[StepfordWife]

Thanks Darl. I guess I just don't know. I've been on Cymbalta before and I'm not on any "brain meds" at the mo and I guess I was hoping I could avoid them if I could - but, if they can help - why not? I am glad they are helping you - sounds like they are working wonders! I don't think they really helped me before - but I guess I can give them another try. I was thinking maybe Endep - but really - they are probably the same deal. Thanks so much for your reply! Take care xxx

 

[ekay03]

I looked up Endep, that is Amitriptyline. I tried that one before the cymbalta and tho it helped my pain a little, the side effect were awful for me. I tried it for a month and a was sleepy all the time. I have tried lots of stuff and the cymbalta works the best. I am sorry I sound like a tv comercial for the drug. These drugs are not one size fits all. I felt it work w/in 2 days. If it hasn't started working in that amount of time. I dont think this is the one for you. I really did think long and hard before I started the Cymbalta. I didn't want more stuff inside me. There is so much I am taking already, but the pain was so bad. The hydrocodone was barely helping at all. For me, for now, cymbalta is the answer. Im really sorry I havent been more helpful. Maybe somebody will see this post and have advice to a more natural approach.

 

[StepfordWife]

Thanks Honey - I really appreciate everything you said - I guess I didn't want to face up to something (being depressed) that was kinda staring me right in the face! It really is fab that the cymbalta is working for you. I know with the Endep it does take awhile to stop making you feel sleepy - so it is great that the cymbaltra worked so quickly! You can't beat that sort of turn-around. It's hard - isn't it - when you think "ok - I'm not well with Crohn's and now I'm depressed too and need more stuff for depression". I really respect the fact that you thought about it and made a decision that was tricky but ultimately was the right one for you. I just hope I can make that too! Thanks again for all your help and kind words xxxx


PS what sort of dosage are you on with the Cymbalta?

 

[ekay03]

I started taking the Cymbalta on 1/6 and felt 80% better the next morning. I am currently taking 30mg. daily, but I read on the internet that the usual dose for pain is 60 mg. So my plan is to go back to the doctor next month and see if I cant take 60mg Cymbalta and drop the zoloft. I enclosed a link to the cymbalta web page http://www.cymbalta.com/Pages/index.aspx

 

[StepfordWife]

Thanks for that - I did bit of looking around on the net and found that 60 does seem to be the "way to go" for pain - maybe I'll start small and see how I go. I didn't realise you were on the Zoloft too. I would love to know how you get on with your Dr - keep me posted! Hope it goes well! Thanks again for all your help and the link xxxx

 

[ekay03]

Honestly I feel this list of drugs has gotten a little out of control! I am on 3 brain meds!! That is CRAZY! Buspar, Zoloft and Cymbalta. It all stated w/ zoloft years ago. Then just recently my doc decided that I needed a mood stabilizer, so being the agreeable peson that I am I said OK! Then I saw the Cymbalta commercial and asked if it would help me. My doctor studied my chart for a moment and said "Lets try it". I figure that if this amount of drugs was not good, my pharmacist would say something. Aside from my doctor being VERY insistant as to my treatment we get along well. I cant complain about my treatment considering I do feel better.

 

[StepfordWife]

I know where you are coming from - for years I've been off and on trying nearly every psych drug Zoloft, Aurorix, Fluoxamine and Cymbalta and a mood stabilizer too (which I really don't think I should have ever been put on - but that's neither here nor there I guess) and more. That's why I suppose after not being on them so long, then getting my diagnosis of Crohn's and going through all the rigmarole of that and now just coming off the steroids - I am reluctant to get on the "psych drug roundabout" again. I am so happy for you that you are feeling better and this is a huge thing and a real "reality check" for me to get off my butt and try something that may help a lot. I don't want to feel like this forever! It is so encouraging to know I'm not alone!! Thank you xxx

 

[ekay03]

Hi StepfordWife, You are definitely not alone. Somebody posted about a product they just started for osteoarthritis. It is called SAM-E and I have enclosed the link to the thread. This is a more natural approach. http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=31249
I understand why you would prefer to not take the mind drugs if you could help it. Check out this thread!

 

[StepfordWife]

Thanks Darl!


That same-e stuff does sound interesting! Will definitely check it out! xxxx