IBD & Arthritis: Why I finally decided to see a specialist

​As someone with IBD, aches and pains are just part of the package, but IBD may not be the only culprit.

Since my diagnosis in 2015, I have heard providers mention in passing the link between Crohn’s Disease and other autoimmune conditions. Sometimes this correlation was used as a potential cause to pin unexplained symptoms on, but I never really got to the point of a secondary diagnosis. For years I have been complaining of aching and swollen joints even after my Crohn’s symptoms improved and I was steadily receiving treatment. Eventually, my providers suspected that this chronic pain could be caused by something other than just IBD. After years, yes years, of being urged to visit an arthritis specialist, I finally did. 

So what made me decide to go?

The statistic that up to 30% of IBD patients also suffer from arthritis or joint inflammation has been living rent free in my head for years. But to be fair, I’ve had a lot going on over the past few years. With the pandemic, the birth of my kids, job changes, moving, etc. it has been a whirlwind. I already spend so much of my time at doctor’s appointments so the thought of having to add yet another specialist into my rotation was not appealing. I wasn’t motivated to go get my joints checked out. Yes, it was affecting my daily activities, but it didn’t seem like an urgent situation. Plus I was having so much pain following each c-section, how active could I really be even if my joint symptoms somehow magically improved? 

Following the birth of my daughter and the numerous complications I experienced, I began intensive physical therapy to rehabilitate my abdominal muscles. I have been blown away at the improvement I’ve seen, and surprise, I’ve actually been able to be more active. Walks around the neighborhood, carrying my kids through the mall, and running on the playground have all become activities that I am able to do, and want to do. Unfortunately, my joint pain was still persistent despite the improvements through physical therapy. The more I realized what activities I could be doing, the more frustrated I got at the discomfort I experienced. 

The biggest factor that encouraged me to finally see a doctor was my kids. Of course the pain and frustration had been present before. In fact, I remember leaving yoga class at the YMCA crying because at 25 my joints were more swollen than the geriatric participants that made up the rest of the class. With my kids though I want them to experience me as the best mom possible. For me, part of that was taking steps to get to the bottom of my joint pain. 

This morning I had my first appointment with a provider that specializes in arthritis care. I’m in the process of completing various bloodwork and scans to help figure out the actual cause of my joint pain, so it may be a while before I know a definitive answer or see improvement. I do feel confident, though, that I have made steps in the right direction. I am hopeful that this road to a diagnosis won’t be as turbulent as it was with my Crohn’s diagnosis. I have some experience under my belt now and am more confident navigating medical appointments. What makes me feel most positive though are the stories and advice I’ve gotten from the online IBD community. At least if I have to go on this journey, I have some very inspiring peers helping me and cheering me on.