IBS & PA

[Guest guest]

Hi folks,

I joined the group almost four years ago but only made one or two

posts in the early days. I was diagnosed with PA four years ago,

after at least a year of chronic fatigue and initial joint

involvement. Four years on, I'm on Enbrel,Methotrexate and Difene

and the PA has spread through hands, feet, neck, lower back, knees

etc. and I have also developed osteoarthritis in one knee.

Generally though I am managing the PA. I have good days and bad but

tend to get on with it. However, this weekend was something

different.

I had been diagnosed with IBS about 15 years ago (no scope was done

at the time) but the symptoms had been generally mild; cramping,

mild constipation/diarrhea etc. Nothing serious that I couldn't

cope with but in the last couple of months the IBS has returned with

a vengence, usually causing quite severe spasms at night. I thought

I was coping but over the weekend I ended up in casualty the pain

from the spasms was so severe. I couldn't sit, stand or lie with the

pain. My GP is sending me for a scope but the doctor I met at the

weekend did not inspire confidence as to how the future management

of the IBS would progress - " the tablets you are currently taking

are about the best that are out there, the next step is anti-

depressants " .... I tell you, I will bloody need anti-depressants if

I'm going to have those spasms constantly.

Maybe I have been lucky so far with the PA in the fact that I got a

quick diagnosis and am lucky enough to have the support of a

fantastic Rheumatology Nurse through my clinic(I don't contact her a

lot but knowing she is there to answer any questions makes it a

whole lot better). My GP is also very tuned into Arthritis which

helps. But I just didn't get a good feeling re the IBS from any of

the health professionals I met at the weekend. I felt like I was

fussing and that they felt this was an illness you just have to get

on with!

Has anyone else had severe spasms in the bowel, if so, did they find

anything that worked?? Does anyone know how these illnesses link

together?

Thanks for you help.

Kate