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Crohn’s and arthritis
My adult daughter has been experiencing a Crohn’s flare since 9/18. She had surgery in 8/19 that we hoped would take care of things. Since the surgery she has experienced back pain...has just found out she has two herniated disks,has lost most of her hair and now has swollen painful ankles. The doctor had taken her off the diuretic she had been taking, but put her back on it just last week after she saw her swollen painful ankles. I have experienced swollen ankles myself and to me the swelling does not look like fluid. I am thinking it might be arthritis. Has anyone experienced arthritis in addition to Crohn’s?
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Hello @sandyjr. I did some quick research and it does seem as though arthritis can be linked to crohn's (IBD). Here is a resource that goes in to a bit more detail from the Crohn's and Colitis foundation, https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/pdfs/arthritiscomplications.pdf. Mayo Clinic's site on crohn's (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304) also says, "Crohn's disease can cause problems in other parts of the body. Among these problems are anemia, skin disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis, and gallbladder or liver disease."
@sandyjr, how is your daughter doing since going back on the diuretic? Has the swelling and pain gone down?
I had hip replacement in 2008. Ortho and GI docs all agreed that the OA was due to Crohn's.
There has been no improvement since she went back on the diuretic. She seems to have gotten the whole load of problems that you have listed. She has anemia, eczema, arthritis? And PSC (liver). I do not want to think about osteoporosis, but her teeth are suffering. Thankfully we have an excellent dentist so I feel confident that he will be able to keep her teeth under control if possible. She has an appointment with her gastroenterologist this week. I am hopeful that he will be able to help her out, but I want her to go for a second opinion which she is not up for. She is doctored out. It is horrible watching her go from an active 44 year old to being an invalid. Can menopause affect Crohn’s issues? Or, does Crohn’s bring on early menopause?