UC since 2011, Jpouch installed in 2014. In the last 6 months my joints have been absolutely killing me. Specifically my hips, knees, and arms (shoulder, elbow, and wrists.) I have blood taken every couple of weeks and recently had Xrays on sacroiliac and the doc says all is normal. I'm in enough pain that I cant bear weight on my knee some days, and the ache in my joints is over the top. Anyone have any advice? What could be happening?
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Same problem. For me, Aleve helps. Best wishes in finding what works for you!
What sort of doc said it's normal? You might want a rheumatologist's opinion, if only to consider enteropathic arthritis.
Don't take Aleve...it's a NSAID and not recommend for people with pouches, UC or Crohns.
I was referred to a Rheumotogist in march because I had sudden debilitating knee pain and swelling. Came on with in 24hr. Then after about 6 weeks I started having pain in all my limb joints. I have be diagnosed with Enteropathic Arthritis and started sulfasalazine.
My x-rays were negative, yet I was diagnosed with enteropathic arthritis. Negative x-rays just rule out other issues or tells you your disease is in the early stages.
You need a rheumatologist.
Jan 
My gastroenterologist told me it is okay to take NSAIDS now that my colon is gone and I have a J-pouch. I don't take them frequently but when I need them, I do take them and they work for me......especially Aleve.
Occasional use of NSAIDS seems to work for most of us, but they do increase the risk of pouchitis.
"Came on with in 24hr"
Me too. I thought arthritis was something that got gradually worse over time, not over night. Is this as result of taking cipro/flagyl for an extended period of time?
Not necessarily. Inflammatory arthritis can be acute and is different than osteoarthritis, which is from degenerative changes.
Those antibiotics can cause joint related side effects, especially with long term use. It can be a tricky diagnosis. The first step is to stop those drugs if they are suspect.
Jan
rustyskyline posted:"Came on with in 24hr"
Me too. I thought arthritis was something that got gradually worse over time, not over night. Is this as result of taking cipro/flagyl for an extended period of time?
I have a healthy pouch and was taking no medications at the time. It blindsided me.
Everyday is different. I have some chronic locations but it moves around. Yesterday it was ankles knees and toes...this morning I have less pain and the little I have are in my knee and fingers.
If you were taking Cipro / Levaquin or related class of antibiotics in the weeks OR EVEN MONTHS before, this may be why. Here is a links to hundreds of media reports and academic papers about that.
