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Date: 21.11.2010
From: Tinkpink1

Subject: R.A and Crohns?

HI, a newbie. However I have had RA for the past 6 years. Recently experiencing symptoms similar to Crohns. How common is this to us RA sufferers?
I am already on Prednisolone and MTX.
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Date: 22.11.2010
From: cathy

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Hi i have had similar problems to you, The MTX can cause bowl problems but i don't know if they are what your experiencing? RA and Crohn's are auto immune disease's. Also when i have a bad arthritis attack it usually ends with tummy problems. If i was you i would tell your GP see what they think it could be. Fingers crossed its nothing serious.
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Date: 22.11.2010
From: tinkpink1

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Thanks Cathy. Hopefully it was just a dreadful tummy bug! Mtx did used to upset me but I have been on it a while now and it seems to have settled down.
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Date: 23.11.2010
From: Rose

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Hi I have problems the same as you only in reverse. I was diagnosed with severe Crohns disease about 30 years ago. Then about 6 years ago was diagnosed with RA. Both these diseases are auto-immune diseases and need specialist treatment and management.If you can, with a consultant/specialist who is familiar with both. The symptoms for Crohns are rather similar for other conditions although they dont "go away" as such and are very distinctive. I am so sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time of it at the moment but I strongly suggest you get an appointment with your RA consultant with a view to being assessed by a gastroenterologist. I know this is scary but after tests of bloods, and endoscopy (often both ends of the body - yuk but not too bad) you can get diagnosed ASAP and on the right track with medication to get it all under control. I hope I havent scared you silly but I really know what its like to have both. I feel so much for you and send lots of Hugs and special thoughts and prayers that you will be feeling much better soon. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and I will only be too happy to help where and if I can. In the meantime Take Care. and Fingers crossed its just a tummy bug. Rose X
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Date: 23.11.2010
From: Tinkpink1

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Hi Rose, thank you for your lovely reply. I have still got a bit of a tummy upset, but it seems to have eased. I will have to see how I go on Thurs, my mtx day! I will definitely be keeping an eye on things and if it continues I will definitely be seeing my Rheumy Nurse.
Hope that you are well and not suffering too much either xx
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Date: 24.11.2010
From: AliBaba

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

I've had Crohn's for over 20 years and am one of the 20% that gets a form of arthritis too - aren't we the lucky ones!

I have been struggling because my joint and pain problems are worse than the Crohn's symptoms but without the Crohn's I wouldn't have the joint trouble. I haven't had a combination of drugs that really works and have been going through a very bad patch for about 3 months or more. I tried MTX for 10 months but the side effects were so bad I gave up as I wasn't getting much benefit from it.
The type of arthritis that goes with Crohn's is called enteropathic arthritis. It's all a bit confusing as other terms also get used. Enteropathic arthritis is called a seronegative arthritis and it falls under a family of similar problems called spondyloarthropathies (see what I mean about confusing!!).

Do some online research on enteropathic arthritis and hopefully it will give you a clearer picture. I find that the more I know the more it helps me cope with it - not true at the moment but it does help sometimes!!
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Date: 25.11.2010
From: tinkpink1

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

I am off to my GP today just to see whether he thinks it is a bug or Crohns. I will google Enteropathic Arhritis because I am of the seronegative ilk! Typical!

Thanks for your comment.
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Date: 25.11.2010
From: tinkpink1

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Just called my Rheumatology Nurse and after discussing my symptoms she said it is likely.
I am still off to see my GP to see what investigations, of any, he wants to pursue.

My nurse did say maybe stay off my MTX this week.

I took it this morning!
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Date: 28.11.2010
From: Rose

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Hi tinkpink1 I am so pleased to hear you are on your way to seeing your Rheumy and GP for diagnosis of your problems. I am so sorry you are still having tummy probs though. Isnt it always the way - the Drs or Nurse tells you to stop the meds and you have already taken it!

I must tell you though that I have severe Crohns as I mentioned earlier and also was suffering from Enteropathic Arthritis, which was painful to say the least. I have now lost most of my bowel (90%) due to this insidious disease and now live with a permanent ileostomy bag. I am much better although still suffer with flare-ups and blockages of the bowel. However, as I also mentioned I had other symptoms about 6 years ago and was referred to see a specialist Professor of Rheumatology and Pain Management. He is a great guy and also has an extensive knowledge of Crohns Disease. After many tests,MRI, scans etc and blood work etc, it was discovered that I also have Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is in addition to the Crohns Disease and Enteropathic Arthritis. He told me that whilst it is very rare, it can happen and that whilst there is insufficient data it is becoming more recognized that patients with Crohns can sometimes also develop RA (although only a small percentage) Both are autoimmune diseases but are separate to each other. I take 30mg MTX, 10mg prednisone, Humira injections every two weeks (which help both Crohns and RA) other meds for Crohns and RA and for pain management I take 100mmg Morphine Patch with 8 Panadeine Forte each day. The patch is a 3day patch. This works well for the pain but does not stop it. I also take a couple of antidepressants and a sleep calmative to ease me to sleep (works sometimes) There is a lot out there to help and I do hope you get the help you need really soon.My prayer for you is that you have only a tummy bug that will be easily controlled with the meds and not Crohns. However please ask whatever you need to help you feel supported. Please keep us posted and in the meantime take care and I send ((((HUGS)))) to you. Rose X
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Date: 29.11.2010
From: tinkpink1

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Bless you Rose. You have so much to deal with.
I am Sero-neg RA, so it is a possibility but things seem to have eased. I was due to have bloods done today but the snow is really bad, so I will aim to get them done later on in the week.
My GP also asked for a sample! (:-P)
Fingers crossed that it was just an awful bug.

I take 10mg of Mtx and 5 mg of pred( on a bad day) normally I try to stay at 2.5mg. So I am not that bad, most people dont even know I have the condition.

I hope that you ok today and not suffering too much. Tink
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Date: 30.11.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

Rose you realy are an inspiration to us all..
With everything you have to contend with, your there for everybody, I have notised a lot lately anyone who is suffering a bit more than (dare i say it )normal, you are there giving hope, comfort, and prayers. Regardless of what you are going through,Rose I realy would like to meet you some day you are truly a caring person. you Take Care. xx
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Date: 10.01.2011
From: Rose

Subject: Re: R.A and Crohns?

To Tinkpink1 and LynB - thank you both so very much for your wonderful and heartfelt messages to me, I am so very touched and feel blessed that there are people out there who do understand and care about us all. I am so sorry it has taken so long to reply but i have had another relapse (joy oh joy) and been under the weather so to speak for a few weeks or so. My Prof increased the Morphine patch in an effort to reduce all the codeine going through my liver and kidneys but it has knocked me silly and I have been nothing but teary and sleeping. Gosh I hope that is short lived. I mean having to deal with these diseases is one thing and then on top of it all crying at the drop of a hat and sleeping enough for the world is a bit much LOL. How have you got on Tinkpink1 - have you had all your tests and been given a diagnosis as yet? I so hope its and easy one to fix for you.

Both of you ladies sound to be wonderfully caring people too and it would be great if we could all meet up one day for a good old chat and laugh or two over a few cups of tea or coffee. I have only just returned to the forum after what seems like ages and have still to catch up with everyone but I hope and pray you are all having less pain or better still pain free days and I wish you all a wonderful happy New Year. Please keep up the posts I love to hear from you all, you help me so very much too, much more than you would ever know. (((((((((Hugs)))))))))))) and love to you Rose X
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