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Is this a flare?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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ld2186
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 44
Posted 7/30/2022 8:19 AM (GMT -8)
Hi! My UC has been well controlled for a few years with weekly Humira. I’m now experiencing daily loose stools and very swollen ankles. I’m switching to a super simple diet and after emailing with my GI am adding in Entocort oral steroid. My question is — are swollen ankles a sign of a flare? It’s not so much pain as pressure. I hope that makes sense— I’m trying to figure out what’s going on and how much trouble I’m in. I’ve been lucky to have a good few years.
I am meeting in person with my GI in mid-August.
Thanks in advance!
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damo123
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2007
Posts : 942
Posted 7/30/2022 8:59 AM (GMT -8)
Joint issues can be a complication of UC and UC flares. When you flared in the past did you have any joint, skin or eye issues? Are your ankles worse in the morning? Is it the same for both ankles? How bad is the swelling and are you experiencing another other extra-intestional symptoms?
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ld2186
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 44
Posted 7/30/2022 10:53 AM (GMT -8)
Thanks for responding! Yes, during my initial flares (when I was diagnosed years ago) my ankles were super swollen. I have no other extra-intentional symptoms. I’ve never had problems with my eyes or skin.
Everything I read about ankle swelling says cut salt and drink more water but I drink so much water and eat a very healthy diet so it’s making me crazy!
The ankles don’t hurt, they’re just swollen and achey. And yes, it’s both ankles. Lasts all day long.
Thank you!
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damo123
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2007
Posts : 942
Posted 7/30/2022 11:08 AM (GMT -8)
If it is indeed a true flare that the swelling is coming from an inflammatory pathlogy....addressing salt v water v potassium will not have a noticeable effect...how bad are your bowel symptoms in terms of frequency etc?....have a u had a CRP blood check or a calprotectin stoll test?
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quincy
Elite Member
Joined : May 2003
Posts : 33494
Posted 7/30/2022 11:48 AM (GMT -8)
I've never had that issue...but you do need to address it with your doctor. Hopefully, he will do liver enzyme and other bloods and stool testing to see if there is anything else going on.
I'll suggest rectal meds before the oral entocort...

Let us know how youre doing.
q
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ld2186
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 44
Posted 7/30/2022 12:21 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you both so much! I just emailed my doctor to see if I could get blood work and stool test before our apt in mid-Aug. He's a great doctor and I know he would have done all of that at the apt, but I think I'll feel better having the results in advance.

I'm averaging 5 loose stools a day and urgency is increasing. By no means terrible, but I can feel things stirring up.....

Will keep you all posted.
Thanks!
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