Suggest Treatment For Stiffness In Joints And Change In Bowel Movements

Posted on Wed, 2 Dec 2015

Question: hi I have symptons ongoing for three years, that are gradually becoming more persistant.
it started of with a change in bowel movements from very normal to very loose stools..i then started to have joint pain in all my joints,ankles feet elbows. knees hips shoulders and fingers/with a lot of stiffness in my hips and finger joints.along very recently I am getting muscle cramp, which happens especially if im on my toes and while in bed..i have seen a rhumatoligist and he seems to think its not rheumatoid artherits..I very recently attended a nurologist..with no satisfaction there either..im at my wits end to find the cause..thanks in advance XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sounds like IBD and associated features

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
First, I don't think that it's a neurological Condition.
So I would normally be surprised if you didn't get any help there.
It is more related to a condition called INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE. I would suggest that you meet a gastroenterology specialist.
A colonoscopy would be needed with possible biopsy to know what's going wrong.
Meeting the rheumatology specialist thereafter may be more fruitful.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (4 hours later)

Dr mittal

Thank you for your email..

I forgot to mention that I also had a colonospy..everything was ok with that as well...diagnoised with IBSD..have had cealoic blood test came back normal..

Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
What medicines

Detailed Answer:
yes
if colonoscopy is normal I would agree with diagnosis of IBS - D.
What medicines are you taking?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (14 minutes later)

I am on no medication..can IBS-d be associated with joint pain and stiffness too..

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My suggestions

Detailed Answer:
IBS is an autoimmune condition of unknown origin.
As such we cannot identify the immune system involved.
There fore there is no test that can identify it.
But autoimmune conditions do involve multiple systems.
Thereby causing joint pains and stiffness.

Have you had the following tests-
1. x ray of the knees.
2. vitamin D test.
If not, I suggest getting them tested.

as for medications, following steps may help.
1. high fiber diet
2. plenty of fluids
3. isapghulla husk 3 tsf at bed time.
4. tab tryptomer. it has a sedative side effect, so take only as prescribed by local practitioner.
This should help your stomach problems.

Best of luck
Dr Mittal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad