Any link between arthritis and irritable bowl syndrome?

Ankyspond
Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
edited 23. Jul 2011, 14:55 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone heard of any link between arthritis and irritable bowl syndrome?

Not been feeling very good for last month after every time I eat, could be Enbrel but been on that since November and after reading about IBS it's sounds very similar and wondered if anyone knew anything? X
AS Sufferer
Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Anky,

    There is a direct link between one of the inflammatories and IBD. IBD is also akin to IBS in how it presents its self, only when it flares its much worse and really it would be a good idea to just get your self checked out.

    Your right it could be the drugs but I think really you should run it all past your doc. I hope it will all calm down for you. Cris x
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks so much for that info I thought it could be connected in some way, will get myself to doctors (yet again). Just another thing to deal with. Xx
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there

    I have OA and was diagnosed last year with IBSD after a colonoscopy by a gastro after months of having a really bad time with it. I was prescribed Amitriptyline 25mgs in the evening and it has 99% solved my problems. At least I leave the house without worrying and very rarely need to take any immodium whereas I was living on it if having to go anywhere further than really local. Cannot say if there is a link, had the OA for yonks.

    Get to the gp and if your symptoms are really bad and interfering with your life, you should be should be referred to a gastro. I had bloodtests done first via the gp but nothing was found there so she referred me.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hiya,

    I was diagnosed with sero-neg arthritis and IBS at roughly the same time. I also now have OA and fibromyalgia.
    Magenta x
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Anky,

    my brain's a bit addled and I still cant remember which inflammatory arthritis has areal link with IBD but if you go to the NACC site they have the info there. They also have a huge amount of info on, obviously IBD but IBS as well.

    The food sensitive thing is on there and the foods likely to kick it etc.

    A friend sent me a book that is designed for IBS, the crohn's is also food sensitive to a point and its a very good book. Might be helpful so if you want the details I will pm them to you.

    Glad your getting it checked out and yep know what you mean about yet another trip to the gp ... i think mine might stat charging me ground rent soon :wink: Cris x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,822
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Inflamatory arthritises are thought to be auto-immune as are some IBDs????

    Connection? v likley l should think. Cris' advice about going to the NACC site is sound.

    Love

    Toni xx
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Elna, Magenta, Cris & Toni,

    Thanks for the info I will look it up later, it's so great to get feedback from people who are in same situation!

    My doctor must think 'oh no here we go again', especially cos on Enbrel and have to go if get anything. Wonder if they would put my name in a parking space, he he!

    Thanks again. Xx
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ankspond,

    I am having the smae problems with my bowels.. looked on internet and believe mine might be IBS too, was given lactalose few weeks ago but hasn't helped that much, I am off to see my GP too as i am experiencing mucus.. i was thinking it may be down to tablets so i am going to get checked out as it is very uncomfortable.. I was wondering if there was a link too.. will check it out now..Let us kniw how you get on..
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My Rheumy nurse told me that it would be the sero-neg causing my ibs... Definitely linked.. That book sounds interesting Cris. can you pm me the name of it?

    Best of luck Anky
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Tracey,

    I will let you know how I get on at doctors, I agree it's awful and needs checking. I am on Anti TNF, Enbrel and co cocodomol, naproxen so will see.

    Take care, speak soon. X
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • tiggernut
    tiggernut Member Posts: 339
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Most definately!! AlsoI think all the drugs have an effect as well. I have had my RA for 27 years and my IBS for about 25.
    I have tried soooooooooo many different things over the years.
    I take 2 Loperimide every day and it does help.

    Good luck you have my sympathy.
  • Pherstun
    Pherstun Member Posts: 96
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hiya

    Please note that IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) are two separate conditions, although you can have both.

    Excerpts from NACCNews (Crohns and Colitis UK newsletter) Spring 2011 (from a research paper):

    Scientists have found a genetic link between Crohn's Disease and the inflammatory arthritic condition anklylosing spondylitis (AS).

    "AS... occurs in 2.6% of patients with Ulcerative Colitis and 6% of patients with Crohn's disease compared to about 1% in the general public. The two conditions frequently occur together in families and individuals, prompting researches to investigate a genetic association between the two.

    "This study examined the role of the IBD genes in 2,773 patients with AS and found seven IBD genes are also important in determining susceptibility to AS.

    "Expensive research and development by the pharmaceutical industry may be offset by opportunities to target multiple diseases with the same agent as has been seen with antibody therapies against tumour necrosis factor (TNF), Infliximab and Adalimumab."

    Debbie
  • ichabod6
    ichabod6 Member Posts: 843
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Rheumatoid arthritis has been the blip in my life for many years.
    Last year I was taken into intensive care for a totally different condition and whilst in hospital had emergency surgery for crohns disease.
    My consultant, gp and self think the medication for ra may possibly have masked the cd.
    One good thing is that the same medication now treats both conditions and, I am happy to say, on a gradually reducing dosage.