Can lupus cause IBS?

[ViolinPlayer78]

Hi. I was diagnosed with lupus SLE about 10 years ago but until recently have been fortunate to suffer relatively mild symptoms.However, in the last few months my stomach and bowels have been feeling very different: sudden urge to poo accompanied with nausea and it can be be very loose and watery when I do go. I always feel better afterwards!

I was wondering about 2 things: could this be IBS; and can lupus be a factor?

Just wondering if others have experienced this.

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi.have you looked at your diet ? Food intolerance can be a part of lupus. For me dairy turned put to be the culprit.since cutting out all milk products I've had no issues . X

[ViolinPlayer78 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

I was thinking that. I've swapped out cows milk for oat milk which has made some difference and I find surprisingly delicious! I suspect I may have to do a proper cut out of the major culprits, though, and then gradually reintroduce. Shame, I love food🤣

[Spanielmadlady in reply to ViolinPlayer78]

I was the same loved cheese cream etc.i have oat milk and lactose free products.the mistake I make was not looking at labels for milk proteins,whey etc.since cutting everything like that out made the difference .I've also gone back to making more myself from scratch and using lactose free Greek yogurt.prodycts have improved alot lactose free ice cream is nice especially wicked kitchen at tesco. Oat milk makes lovely hot choc and rice pudding 😋 xxx

[Paloma25]

Dear Violin Player,

I, too, have fairly mild lupus. I also had IBS on and off for many years and a couple of years ago it began to get worse, with cramps, nausea, and then after several months, blood. My gastroenterologist was not too concerned. After I had a colonoscopy in March 2022, she discovered I had severe ulcerative colitis, which had been caught so late that I needed a biological infusion and steroids. In spite of these, my colon ruptured and I was rushed to emergency surgery.

Moral of story: if you continue to feel bad and your symptoms worsen, do please press your physician for further tests. When you have ongoing illness, like lupus or IBS, doctors can overlook many symptoms or dismiss them. I wish I had been more assertive and I am very glad that the wonderful surgeon saved me. Your problem could be IBS -- I'm not sure about lupus -- but do insist that they investigate it thoroughly. I hope you feel better soon.

[Smudge4465]

Hi, I am not clinically qualified but can tell you of my experience. In 2018 when 54 years old I was diagnosed with Lupus via A & E and an 8 week stay in hospital. Long recuperation over many months. No colorectal issues at the time. In the last 24 months Ive had two emergency operations to remedy a very large abscess on the sigmoid colon. Both very life threatening. They wanted to perform a colostomy on both occasions but I swerved it!! Massive mental shock, just not prepared physically or mentally. They think the meds ie steroids & mtx have not helped with this and created diverticulitis. The split or leak in colon is creating the issue. Cant have a colonoscopy! So my advice is like Paloma has said ‘please seek advice early on’ look at your diet and your toilet habits. I found the tv programme on channel 4 ‘know your shit’ to be very helpful. I have been extremely fit and well for the last 15 months. But fearing a little until the next episode 🤷‍♀️Please stay positive!!! If you would like to chat please private message me. Best wishes

[Treetop33]

Best thing is to go and see your GP. You can get a stool test for starters. Other people are right, people with lupus can get food intolerances, but you need to rule out other things that can cause a change in bowel habits before going there.

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi, yes many peopple with lupus have gut issues. I have an intolerance for carbs, and I feel much better if I cut out bread, pasta, rice etc. completely out of my diet. Also sugar (but I still eat dark chocolate!) because it can cause the same symptoms. I don’t have Crohn’s or anything, just a dietary intolerance. I’ve had colonoscopies etc. and everything is normal.

The other thing worth mentioning, without knowing anything about you, is that I also have endometriosis which can cause gut issues. I have bowel movements with dreadful pain, and everything feels better afterwards. My doctor has started to query IBS, but I’ve had this painful bowel thing for decades, so I put it down to endo. All the best with your investigations, let us know how it…all comes out!