Dear all,
I'm looking for some feedback on the joint/muscle pain I've been dealing with for awhile. I know that there seems to be some connection between celiac, MC, thyroid disease, all of which I have, and aches and pains. I guess my question is, how bad is normal? I've had minor arthritis pain in my hands, wrists, and forearms since the thyroid diagnosis three and a half years ago (In fact, I can always tell when I need to get my levels checked by how bad it is), but over the summer it progressed so that it was worse and I began feeling pain in my feet and ankles. Just over the past few weeks, I've been feeling pain in my knees as well. I occassionally have some swelling and redness, but the pain is more frequent. Also, my whole body feels very tender. As examples, if someone pats me on the arm, I feel it for a couple of hours. Yesterday, I spent a lot of time leaning my elbow on the desk, and I could still feel pain and pressure there when I woke up this morning.
What do you think? Has anyone else dealt with this sort of thing?
Thanks,
Courtney
Aches and Pains
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Courtney,
Yes indeed, most of us have had to deal with those issues. Believe it or not, before I figured out that I was gluten sensitive, I had episodes where the arthritis in a couple of my fingers was so bad that the joints were always red, and extremely painful, and, of course, those fingers grew quite crooked. One elbow was extremely painful, (I think it started when I bumped it), but it wouldn't relent, and it was always red and inflammed, and every time I bumped it evenly slightly, it would practically bring me to my knees with the pain. I finally started wearing a pad, so that I couldn't bump it. One day, I kneeled on one knee for maybe five minutes, but when I decided to get back up, I couldn't stand - it wouldn't support my weight. I used a cane for a while, and then the other knee started acting up, so I used two canes for a while, and could barely hobble around. I started taking flax seed oil, and glucosamine sulphate, and that got me off the canes after a couple of weeks, but I still had knee problems, and lower back problems, and quite often, a stiff, sore neck. Soon after that, I figured out what was wrong, and started the GF diet, and after the diet began to take effect, those problems slowly subsided, but, of course, those fingers are permanently crooked. It took several years for the arthritis to quit distorting my fingers, and I still have some stiffness in my finger joints most of the time, but the arthritis is no longer active - at least, I don't see any redness, or tenderness, and they are no longer growing crooked, (other than the damage that was already done).
Also, at one time, I'm sure that I could have received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, based on my symptoms, if I had pursued it with my doctor, but that all disappeared as my gut healed. I get the impression that many of us here have had a similar experience.
I have to agree with you about the thyroid symptoms. When my thyroid symptoms began, (about two years ago), a lot of aches and pains started showing up. The most noticeable was in my feet. I couldn't even stand around, (let alone work), without my feet hurting so bad that I would have to sit down pretty often. When the thyroid treatment began to take effect, the aches and pains slowly went away, and then a few months ago, the foot problems started coming back again, (though not as bad). Switching to Armour seems to have corrected the problem, though, and I'm feeling pretty good, again.
Tex
Yes indeed, most of us have had to deal with those issues. Believe it or not, before I figured out that I was gluten sensitive, I had episodes where the arthritis in a couple of my fingers was so bad that the joints were always red, and extremely painful, and, of course, those fingers grew quite crooked. One elbow was extremely painful, (I think it started when I bumped it), but it wouldn't relent, and it was always red and inflammed, and every time I bumped it evenly slightly, it would practically bring me to my knees with the pain. I finally started wearing a pad, so that I couldn't bump it. One day, I kneeled on one knee for maybe five minutes, but when I decided to get back up, I couldn't stand - it wouldn't support my weight. I used a cane for a while, and then the other knee started acting up, so I used two canes for a while, and could barely hobble around. I started taking flax seed oil, and glucosamine sulphate, and that got me off the canes after a couple of weeks, but I still had knee problems, and lower back problems, and quite often, a stiff, sore neck. Soon after that, I figured out what was wrong, and started the GF diet, and after the diet began to take effect, those problems slowly subsided, but, of course, those fingers are permanently crooked. It took several years for the arthritis to quit distorting my fingers, and I still have some stiffness in my finger joints most of the time, but the arthritis is no longer active - at least, I don't see any redness, or tenderness, and they are no longer growing crooked, (other than the damage that was already done).
Also, at one time, I'm sure that I could have received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, based on my symptoms, if I had pursued it with my doctor, but that all disappeared as my gut healed. I get the impression that many of us here have had a similar experience.
I have to agree with you about the thyroid symptoms. When my thyroid symptoms began, (about two years ago), a lot of aches and pains started showing up. The most noticeable was in my feet. I couldn't even stand around, (let alone work), without my feet hurting so bad that I would have to sit down pretty often. When the thyroid treatment began to take effect, the aches and pains slowly went away, and then a few months ago, the foot problems started coming back again, (though not as bad). Switching to Armour seems to have corrected the problem, though, and I'm feeling pretty good, again.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Switching to Armour may be my next battle with my doc..........First things, first, however.
I've been blaming my toe/foot pain on statins and, amazingly, after all these years doc said COQ10! It isn't the same horrible cramping I had with double the Lipitor that I got by mistake.
I've been blaming my toe/foot pain on statins and, amazingly, after all these years doc said COQ10! It isn't the same horrible cramping I had with double the Lipitor that I got by mistake.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV.
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
LDN July 18, 2014
Joan
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RUBYREDDOG
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Courtney, It seems that a lot of us have had the joint pain problems you describe, prior to our MC diagnosis. Mine was not as severe as yours or Tex's ( Tex you have been through a lot) but after being on the GF diet for 3 months, most of mine have disappeared. Hopefully you will obtain similar results.
After the scandals of Zolcor and other statin drugs, It makes one wonder what good they are actually doing for us. Especially now that the American Heart Association stats show that half of the people who die from heart attacks, have normal colesteral levels. From what I am reading, the inflammation levels in our bodys are now the primary focus of researchers for a healthy cardiovascular system. If you must take statins, make sure you take adequate levels of COQ-10, consult your doc.
Hotrod
After the scandals of Zolcor and other statin drugs, It makes one wonder what good they are actually doing for us. Especially now that the American Heart Association stats show that half of the people who die from heart attacks, have normal colesteral levels. From what I am reading, the inflammation levels in our bodys are now the primary focus of researchers for a healthy cardiovascular system. If you must take statins, make sure you take adequate levels of COQ-10, consult your doc.
Hotrod
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jodibelle352
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- Location: Michigan
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Hello Courtney:
Some of the symptoms of pain you are discribing sounds a lot like mine. At times the muscle pain is so severe that even a "hug hurts" and the pain is very real. I was DX's several years ago with fibromyalgia. You may want to do some research on this illness and check with your doctor.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
Some of the symptoms of pain you are discribing sounds a lot like mine. At times the muscle pain is so severe that even a "hug hurts" and the pain is very real. I was DX's several years ago with fibromyalgia. You may want to do some research on this illness and check with your doctor.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
May God and All His Angels, watchover, protect and guide you "One Day At A Time".
Thank you all so much for the feedback. It helps a lot to know that this is "normal" for MC patients and probably not something else I need to get checked out.
However, I know it always could be and I probably do need to keep a watch on it. Jodi, how could they tell the difference between MC-caused pain and fibromyalgia? Is there anything special I should watch out for so that I'll know if I should get it checked out?
Also, I know that NSAID drugs are pretty much a no-no for MC. I try to just deal with it rather than taking too much medication (even OTC), but what are some good pain relievers to use?
Courtney
However, I know it always could be and I probably do need to keep a watch on it. Jodi, how could they tell the difference between MC-caused pain and fibromyalgia? Is there anything special I should watch out for so that I'll know if I should get it checked out?
Also, I know that NSAID drugs are pretty much a no-no for MC. I try to just deal with it rather than taking too much medication (even OTC), but what are some good pain relievers to use?
Courtney
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jodibelle352
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Hi Courtney:
I have good days and I have bad days with the fibromyalgia. For pain I take Tramadol 50mg tablets I can take 1-2 tablets every 6 hours as needed Max 8 per day. Now I only take the Tramadol when my pain is real severe.
There was a time when I was working that at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland here in Michigan where I spent 8-10 hour days on cement floors of course covered with carpeting. I would have to "will myself" to put one foot in front of the other just to walk out of the building because the pain in my legs and feet felt like someone had me walk over hot coals.
I am sending you 2 sites to check out. The first one will give you alot of information about symptoms etc.
www.fmnetnews.com/basics-symptoms.php
The second site is through Johns Hopkins Hospital and they will actually send you all kinds of pamphlets directly to you at NO cost.
www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com
I hope you find what you are looking for at these sites.
I myself don't like to take the pain medications unless I absolutely have to but I have days where I have no choice. I have a GREAT support system with my husband; David and he is so sensitive to my needs and yet we both take care of each other. We have a very special relationship.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
I have good days and I have bad days with the fibromyalgia. For pain I take Tramadol 50mg tablets I can take 1-2 tablets every 6 hours as needed Max 8 per day. Now I only take the Tramadol when my pain is real severe.
There was a time when I was working that at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland here in Michigan where I spent 8-10 hour days on cement floors of course covered with carpeting. I would have to "will myself" to put one foot in front of the other just to walk out of the building because the pain in my legs and feet felt like someone had me walk over hot coals.
I am sending you 2 sites to check out. The first one will give you alot of information about symptoms etc.
www.fmnetnews.com/basics-symptoms.php
The second site is through Johns Hopkins Hospital and they will actually send you all kinds of pamphlets directly to you at NO cost.
www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com
I hope you find what you are looking for at these sites.
I myself don't like to take the pain medications unless I absolutely have to but I have days where I have no choice. I have a GREAT support system with my husband; David and he is so sensitive to my needs and yet we both take care of each other. We have a very special relationship.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
May God and All His Angels, watchover, protect and guide you "One Day At A Time".
Courtney,
I didn't have as severe of pain as you do, but I did have arthritis in my hands. Within days of starting Entocort, I noticed that the pain disappeared. At the same time, I went gluten-free. As I wean off of Entocort (I'm down to two pills a week now), I'm noticing that most of the pain I had before isn't returning. I just have a little pain in a couple of finger joints. That tells me that gluten was probably responsible for the pain I had before.
I also take glucosamin-chrondroitin for arthritis in my knees. That arthritis is due to wear and tear, as determined by an orthopedic surgeon. The glucosamin-chrondroitin has worked very well for me.
Gloria
I didn't have as severe of pain as you do, but I did have arthritis in my hands. Within days of starting Entocort, I noticed that the pain disappeared. At the same time, I went gluten-free. As I wean off of Entocort (I'm down to two pills a week now), I'm noticing that most of the pain I had before isn't returning. I just have a little pain in a couple of finger joints. That tells me that gluten was probably responsible for the pain I had before.
I also take glucosamin-chrondroitin for arthritis in my knees. That arthritis is due to wear and tear, as determined by an orthopedic surgeon. The glucosamin-chrondroitin has worked very well for me.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Courtney,
For pain relievers, about all we can safely use are acetaminophen, (Tylenol), or one of the opioid-based meds.
A lot of members complain about poor results from Tylenol, but I find that if I take a couple of max-strength capsules, caplets, tablets, or whatever, during or after a meal, (IOW, not on an empty stomach), and before the pain becomes almost unbearable, I get excellent, results. YMMV, of course.
Tex
For pain relievers, about all we can safely use are acetaminophen, (Tylenol), or one of the opioid-based meds.
A lot of members complain about poor results from Tylenol, but I find that if I take a couple of max-strength capsules, caplets, tablets, or whatever, during or after a meal, (IOW, not on an empty stomach), and before the pain becomes almost unbearable, I get excellent, results. YMMV, of course.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Jodi,
Thanks so much for the links. I really didn't know much about fibromyalgia, but the sites were very informative. I do grind my teeth a lot at night (my dentist always comments on that), and I frequently have trouble sleeping, but I didn't realize that either of those were a part of fibromyalgia. I'll keep a watch on it and keep checking out the sites you mentioned.
Tex,
Thanks for the tylenol tips. I'll keep that in mind for when pain gets to be an issue.
Courtney
Thanks so much for the links. I really didn't know much about fibromyalgia, but the sites were very informative. I do grind my teeth a lot at night (my dentist always comments on that), and I frequently have trouble sleeping, but I didn't realize that either of those were a part of fibromyalgia. I'll keep a watch on it and keep checking out the sites you mentioned.
Tex,
Thanks for the tylenol tips. I'll keep that in mind for when pain gets to be an issue.
Courtney
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jodibelle352
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Hi Courtney:
I'm not in the medical field but I have been dealing with fibromyalgia pain since 1995. Just like many of us here some of our symptoms are alike yet others are different. I'm glad the informational sites I gave to you will help. When I was DX's with fibromyalgia I couldn't even spell it let alone heard anything about it. My specialist for my SLE (Systemic Lupus) is a rhuematologist who also deals with autoimmune deseases. He was the one who made my DX's. You may want to consider checking out a rhuematologist in your area who may beable to check things out for you.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
I'm not in the medical field but I have been dealing with fibromyalgia pain since 1995. Just like many of us here some of our symptoms are alike yet others are different. I'm glad the informational sites I gave to you will help. When I was DX's with fibromyalgia I couldn't even spell it let alone heard anything about it. My specialist for my SLE (Systemic Lupus) is a rhuematologist who also deals with autoimmune deseases. He was the one who made my DX's. You may want to consider checking out a rhuematologist in your area who may beable to check things out for you.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
May God and All His Angels, watchover, protect and guide you "One Day At A Time".
Courtney,
Keep in mind that a high percentage of us with MC and/or other autoimmune issues tend to grind our teeth, and have trouble sleeping, also. Before my symptoms began, I always slept 7 to 8 hours per night. After my symptoms began, I had a lot of trouble getting to sleep, (due to the bloating, pain, etc.), and I usually averaged about 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night. Even though I've been in remission for over 4 years now, I still average around 5 hours of sleep per night. I just can't force myself to sleep any longer. It's a life-altering disease, in many ways that we don't even realize.
Tex
Keep in mind that a high percentage of us with MC and/or other autoimmune issues tend to grind our teeth, and have trouble sleeping, also. Before my symptoms began, I always slept 7 to 8 hours per night. After my symptoms began, I had a lot of trouble getting to sleep, (due to the bloating, pain, etc.), and I usually averaged about 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night. Even though I've been in remission for over 4 years now, I still average around 5 hours of sleep per night. I just can't force myself to sleep any longer. It's a life-altering disease, in many ways that we don't even realize.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Wow, and all this time I thought I was just too keyed up to sleep. I had never heard of teeth grinding as a symptom of autoimmune. I've been doing it all my life. As far as sleeping goes, I slept fairly decently as a child and teenager, although there were always nights when I couldn't sleep. The sleep problems, now that I think about it, started around the time the rest of this started, and I started having nights when I couldn't sleep and going through long periods when I slept well and periods when I didn't. Right now I'm averaging six hours a night, which is not enough. Usually I wake up with pain, or wake up early bc I have to run to the bathroom and then I can never really get back to sleep. Good to know all this.
Courtney
Courtney
Actually, I'm not aware that bruxism, (the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching teeth), is officially even remotely considered to be an autoimmune-linked issue, (as far as expert medical opinion is concerned), but it is linked with TMJ, (TemporoMandibular Joint disorder), and TMJ is an autoimmune issue, (which was a significant problem for me, during reaction episodes). Also, if you do much reading on the various boards for assorted autoimmune issues, you will see that there are a lot of posts complaining of bruxism problems, (including the celiac boards). Actually, of course, gluten seems to be a contributing factor to symptoms of many/most autoimmune issues, (in fact, some individuals suspect that gluten may be involved in the development of all autoimmune issues).
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.