Ulcerative Colitis Sufferer wondering if I have Fibro too?

YoungSuffererCanada

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2016

Posts : 103

Posted 2/5/2019 1:43 PM (GMT -7)

I was diagnosed two years ago with ulcerative colitis at the time I had blood in my stool and wide spread joint pain. I was very stressed and worried about these symptoms. Once I was diagnosed and on proper medication all my symptoms went away but something new and strange would always take it’s place. For instance for a while it was pain in my chest. Eventually that went away. Then a pain in my throat like an ache that went away. Then I had stomach pains for months like a stabbing just under the rib cage, I have also suffered from heartburn for years without a real reason. I got an endoscope and everything was clean then that went away. Then since September to January I had tingling, numbness and a cold sensation in one leg which recently switched to wide spread muscle twitches. I then recently last week seen a Nero who gave me a clean clinical exam. I have always suffered from extreme anxiety and stress. I have roaming muscle soreness, cramping and stiffness along with the twitching.

The more I look at my symptoms and triggers the more I think I might have fibro. I know its tough to diagnose but a few things point me towards it:

- One is the mitigating pain/stiffness/soreness and muscle twitching.
- Another is a couple months ago but it went away I was having a prolonged periods of brain fog. Where I couldn’t remember things as well and would struggle to find the right words/speak. That too went away eventually.
- It seems my symptoms or flares occur during periods of prolonged stress/anxiety.
- One of the biggest reasons is I have an IBD ulcerative colitis which I have read has a connection with Fibro.

I am just curious on your thoughts?

Sherrine

Forum Moderator

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 18047

Posted 2/6/2019 9:22 AM (GMT -7)

Hi, YoungSuffererCanada, and welcome! In answer to your question, yes, you can have both illnesses. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis for eleven years and then they discovered I really had Crohn’s disease! Many with fibro suffer with the basic irritable bowel problem too.

Also, your anxiety can be causing some of your symptoms. I used to suffer badly from anxiety until I realized it was just fear. That’s why I have the scripture in my signature. Once I got the anxiety under control, I could focus on my other health problems and found ways to help myself with them. I follow my doctors’ instructions and I do things that I know will help me. I actually have had Crohn’s since I was a toddler and I’ve had fibro for nearly 32 years and I am better than I have been in years!

A positive attitude has helped me a lot over the years too. I believe we can do all things that we put our mind to. This brings me peace, which helps with anxiety by the way, and I am much happier too.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Don’t hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine

Forum Moderator/Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, Crohn's Disease, Ostomy, Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Glaucoma, Scoliosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis
************************
God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

YoungSuffererCanada

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2016

Posts : 103

Posted 2/6/2019 9:41 AM (GMT -7)

Thank you. I do agree that Anxiety can and has caused a lot of my symptoms but I think a lot of these disorders along with mental health are interlinked. The pain that seems to move around and the twitching has kind of pointed me towards Fibro but I am unsure that's why I asked. Thank you for the kind words!

Sherrine

Forum Moderator

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 18047

Posted 2/6/2019 12:40 PM (GMT -7)

I suggest that you see a good board certified Rheumatologist. They should run tests to rule out other illnesses that have many of the same symptoms as fibro...things like lupus and Lyme disease. There is no good test for fibro so, once these have all been ruled out, you would get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. When tested, people with fibro usually look like the picture of health! It’s so frustrating since you can’t see pain as well as fatigue.

Once you know what you are dealing with, you can face it head on and find what helps you. Unfortunately what works with one doesn’t necessarily work for another with fibro. It’s more a trial and error type thing. Since I wasn’t thrilled about the medication they give fibro patients, I tried over the counter things and did get help. I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, Vitamin D3, magnesium malate, and a prescription muscle relaxer called Robaxin (methocarbamol) that made a significant difference in my pain. I also walk daily as a gentle form of exercise and I pace myself when doing things. A monthly gentle massage helps me also. You will get more ideas from members on this forum too.

Do let us know what you find out because we do care about you.

Sherrine

YoungSuffererCanada

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2016

Posts : 103

Posted 2/6/2019 1:43 PM (GMT -7)

Thank you so much I will try to get an appointment with a Rheumatologist.

HealedMommy

New Member

Joined : Jan 2018

Posts : 5

Posted 2/6/2019 1:52 PM (GMT -7)

Hi,

I am a fellow UC'er that had Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed a few years back and first they tried giving me Lyrica and Vybriid and it was a terrible experience. I heavily research natural components and cures and one day came across a supplement that had liposomal MSM. It is called PainRelief from immunizeLABS. I know that MSM is amazing for Fibro but it is poorly absorbed and that's why I liked that it was in liposomal form. Somehow this supplement completely eliminated my Fibro pain. It was gone in one week and never came back (I still take it like 2 tbsp every day). Now the UC got marginally better but that is a whole different ballgame. I just thought I share what worked for my Fibro and drop a note to say hi to a fellow UC'er. Unfortunately it is possible to have UC and Fibro at the same time (as if UC wasn't already bad enough), but at least I found something that worked for the Fibro. Still working on that UC though ;)

YoungSuffererCanada

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2016

Posts : 103

Posted 2/7/2019 3:15 PM (GMT -7)

Thank you Healed Mommy appreciate the feedback!

Ljm2014

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2014

Posts : 2243

Posted 2/8/2019 11:35 PM (GMT -7)

Healed mommy,
And young in canada

I was curious about the msm, in products i use topically, msm will keep me awake

Any issues there ?

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