What are your strangest IBD symptoms?
IBD has some weird symptoms that only we would understand. What strange symptoms have you experienced? Have any surprised you? How do you manage them?
After having Crohn's for 38 years, I've just discovered my arthritis flareups in my hands are related to Crohn's. I started seeing a rheumatologist for arthritis 6 months ago and he was savvy to Crohn's being related to my artritis issues as well as years of low back pain. He increased my dosage of Methotrexate and the side issues have gotten much better. None of my GI doctors ever mentioned symptoms other than the digestive tract so I never related these problems.
oh thank goodness for that rheumatologist! Unfortunately, you are not alone in having the experience of the GI doctor not necessarily communicating (or knowing) the non-GI ways that inflammatory bowel disease can impact a person. I'm so glad that you came across such a knowledgeable-about-Crohn's rheumatologist and you've been able to get some of the arthritis pains better managed! I'm not sure if you already saw this article about "weird IBD symptoms" but if not I thought you might appreciate it, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/weird-crohns-symptoms. Wishing you a gentle day! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Thank you Christine. I did see the Weird Crohn's Symptoms article, which is why I posted my experience.
I had the same experience. Diagnosed with RA and crohns. Spoke with a physician assistant and she mentioned that the wrist pain and swelling was probably my crohns! Mind blown since both my GI dr and RA have never mentioned it!
Hi
. IBD can cause joint issues, but those issues are from autoimmune inflammation. If you also have an RA diagnosis, it would be important to speak to a rheumatologist. They are specialists with several years of extra training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions. I also want to let you know that we have a sister-site for RA at https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/. There you can find the same level of information and support for that condition as you find here for IBD. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Thank you
