Almost 8 years ago I was diagnosed with Colitis/Crohns Disease. I have had a few flare ups here or there but nothing serious until last week. I ended up in the emergency room with an awful flare up and was sent home with Prednisone, Percocets, and something else (to help nauesasness). I almost immediately started having joint pain in my ankles and knees. At first I blamed it on my treadmill and my husband was sweet and bought me a better pair of shoes. But then it got to the point that I can barely walk b/c of the pain. Over the weekend I started looking at symptoms of Crohns and also Prednisone. I read a good bit of stuff saying the diesease itself can cause joint pain but also read that the Prednisone could be the culprit. Does anyone have any input?
Also, as I said I can barely walk b/c of the joint pain. If it is the prednisone that is causing this - which is worse; taking the prednisone to help the intestine and having extreme joint pain or not taking the prednisone and hoping the intestine has healed and hopefully feeling somewhat normal? I have 6 more days of medicine to take and am waiting for the Dr.'s office to open and get a follow up appt.
Thanks!
You cannot suddenly stop taking a steroid!! Finish the dosage, take it easy and tell your Dr with the follow up (or call to let them know NOW) about the joint pain.
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Prednisone is there to help your longterm disease the joint pain is short term. I would continue the prednisone.
Try wrapping your ankles and knees in those sprained ankle bandages. The pressure can help ease the pain. Also try ice packs for 15 minutes a few times per day over the bandages. I get really bad tendonitis and bursitis flares and this is what I do.
Also ask your doctor if he thinks a nsai drug will help, like a rx strength Alieve. I think it would work better than a narcotic and there is no chance of dependance.
If you can stay on the medication until your appt., do so. If you do not think you can, call the doctor for a discussion before you change anything. One of the most difficult aspects of treating Crohns/Colitis is that you get lots of conflicting advice. That's because every individual reacts differently to each of the medications and each of the doses. It is very important that you keep a diary of each episode, what works, and what side effects you are experiencing. This diary should be the basis of all conversations with your doctor. If you are not yet dealing with a specialist in this area, you may ask for a referral. There is great hope with new dosages and medications, and you and your specialist can improve your life together. My very best to you.
Www.betterhealthusa.com
Read on this website about a blood test for food sensitivities. My MIL just started her eating plan and is feeling good, and she's been living with Crohns for many years and has even had surgeries! My husbands 1-2 per week migraines have disappeared, and my 'despite HBP pills' high blood pressure has finally come down to normal withOUT HBP pills! I'm not trying to sell anything--there's nothing to sell ;p Just really impressed with this blood test that so few people know about & am trying to spread the word. It's possible that if you were to start this program, you'd never again need to decide Which is worse :) GOOD LUCK & many blessings to you!
I'm so sorry you're going through this! I have a relative and a friend that both have Crohns and from the pain they describe, I know I would rather have joint than gut pain! Although your painkillers might be a good crutch to at least take half of your steroid dose. Okay, now I've changed my mind as I'm typing....I would do that, lower my steroid dosage and take my painkillers without skipping. Be careful, my friend has it so bad and from being on pain killers so much...she is hooked on them!
I hope you get better soon! xo
I have ulcerative colitis and cant take some pain peds because they make it worse. Alieve makes me terribly sick with days of colitis problems after. I have some joint pain but not enough to worry about, and figured its because Im older, and over weight and maybe its to be expected. I know prednisone is great when you have a huge inflamation but once you start taking the dose you need to taper off and finish the whole course given. I would suggest to the Dr that he take Asacol for intestinal inflamation instead. I take 4 pills, 3 times a day when Im having a flare up and dont have to take any when Id doing well. My sister has colitis also and she was given the same meds and it works great for her too. Ask the Dr about Asacol and see if it helps without the side effects of prednisone.
My husband has colitis, and he gets joint pains as well. His dr said your body gets ripped from nutrients because of the problem that other parts can be effected, like joints. I would continue the meds (he takes them too) because the long term is better then the short. With my husband we are tryin to avoid surgery to removal bowel. He has it pretty bad. Stay strong and hang in there :)
