Diagnosed with Crohn's

By Lauraw

1 min read

Hi I came across this site and it’s nice to speak to people who are going through the same as me as I don’t really know anyone with Crohn's and colitis! I was diagnosed at 17 and am now 25, so it’s been a good few years! It started off with tummy pain and ulcers in my mouth, bleeding kicked in, lost a lot of weight and ended up in the hospital. After tests and colonoscopy I was told I have Crohn's!

For the first few years it didn’t really settle! I started to get anxiety about going out or even just being with friends! This has also ruined relationships for me ! I understand it must be hard for people on the other side of the relationship of someone with Crohn's! I had an operation for a fistula a few years ago and now more recently I have joint problems. The doctors have said it’s linked to my Crohn's! Does anyone else have this? It’s scary to think what else might happen when I get older! Thank you

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Pam.Jajko Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Lauraw" user-id="4131097"/>, thank you so much for sharing with us. You certainly are not alone in feeling this way. Unfortunately, Crohn's is one of those diseases that has some unexpected symptoms. We have heard from many community members that joint pain is an issue. I wanted to share some forum threads where people discuss joint pain, as well as an article regarding Joint inflammation: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/forums/please-explain-joint-pain https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/forums/hyperuricemia-and-joint-pain https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/symptoms/inflammation-of-the-joints-skin-and-eyes We also have a lot of articles written by our advocates on coping with Crohn's. I'm sharing a few in hopes that they're helpful to you: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/coping-crohns https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/coping-crohns-flare It can be a scary journey, but please know you aren't alone! Reach out to us anytime. We and this community are all here for you! Sending you well wishes, Pam (team member) 
1. Jesusisdanswer Member
 <inline-mention username="Pam.Kingsland" user-id="2265816"/> Read Self Healing of Colitis and Crohn’s by Dr. David Klein
Jochebed Member
Hey Lauraw, I was so excited when I came across your post. You see, I too was diagnosed at 17, and I'm now suffering from joint problems in my fingers. They started swelling a few months ago, and now they're getting worse. I can't bend them in the morning, and it's so scary. My fingers look crooked, and it's so painful to see. I can't look at them! Like you, I'm scared of getting older and having painful joints. I don't want to walk into a room and rub my fingers and knees. It's so freaky! I told my doctors, and they referred me to a rheumatologist. Arthritis is very common in IBD patients. I know many people with Crohn's and arthritis. Perhaps you'd see a rheumatologist and see if there's any treatment for you. I think it's worth a try. Feel better, Jochebed. 
1. Michael Lee Member
 <inline-mention username="Jochebed" user-id="4128047"/> Honestly!! my theory on all the possible complications from the Crohn's,, might sound weird but we just treat ourselves like old people. I meant that with respect, we have to do the vitamins do the exercises and take metamucil and joint supplements,, you've seen the commercials lol. But Treat ourselves like we are delicate and take good care of our bodies. What more could we do!? 
2. Jochebed Member
 <inline-mention username="Michael Lee" user-id="4137702"/>, no sirree! I'd rather stay young! And I don't want to think about my joints all day! Yeah, I can exercise, eat healthily, and take supplements. But I prefer not to live in pain. Let's see where my rheumatologist brings me to. I hope there's a real way to solve my inflammation, even if that means more medication. Although I get the impression that arthritis isn't treated in a real way, and that patients live in pain their whole life. I'm curious about your diagnosis as I am not yet diagnosed. Would you be willing to share? Jochebed
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Lauraw" user-id="4131097"/> fatigue and joint pain are the symptoms I see mentioned most in the #IBDSuperHeroes Facebook group! Joint pain can often coincide with flares, but for some, it's ongoing even when not in a flare! These types of extraintestinal manifestations can be incredibly frustrating to live with. I know that from a personal perspective! That said, people with IBD are more likely to be diagnosed with other autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, so it's worth being seen by a Rheumatologist to check what's going on. ~ Sahara (Team member)