Tummy issues. Don't read if you're sensitive!

[magicpink]

I've recently (and suddenly) developed some digestive system symptoms which I've never had before. It came on overnight so initially I assumed it was norovirus or similar but stool tests have showed no infection but very high inflammation. They're being repeated this week to see if it's still the same. As i still have the symptoms I can only assume it will be. What I'm wondering is, can bowel inflammation be a lupus thing?! I don't like to assume everything that's ever wrong with me is because I have lupus. And this is something I've not heard of before. Any experiences of this people?

[CSLO]

Hi magicpink, yes I have this issue.

After many years of disparate symptoms that would come and go, all of my issues suddenly came together about 7/8 years ago. One of the very first signs of me flaring was always diarrhoea, between 6 and 7 on the Bristol stool chart.

I had a colonoscopy done, they took lots of biopsies and they found microscopic cellular inflammation throughout the colon. Given that I only ever had the diarrhoea when flaring, it was suggested that any meds that would be prescribed for the CTDs, that they were also investigating at the same time, would probably resolve the gut issues. They did!

I started on Hydroxychloroquine and then was later put on Mycophenolate. At the most my stools can be slightly softer in a bad flare but the horrible diarrhoea is now under control.

I don't know your medical situation and whether you're currently on any meds but I was told it is unusual to have lower gut issues with lupus but, as we all know, these pesky diseases manifest differently with us all.

I hope they can resolve this issue for you.

[Treetop33]

I have gastro issues too - I don't know if it's lupus though because it came on after having Covid, and gets worse with every bout (I try and avoid infection as much as possible). Covid is a known causal agent for gastro inflammation.

But I'm not sure if knowing the cause will help you. Have they classified as IBS or something?

I get reflux, stomach pain, gas and constipation - so end to end, you might say! It gets worse with stress and certain foods.

[OldTed60]

I have severe GI dysmotility caused by Systemic sclerosis and Sjogren’s. I wouldnt think it would be Lupus but it could be either of the ones I have or else IBD. I had Covid first time in August, 5 weeks after having surgery a colostomy. It mostly went for my gut both ends and was quite severe however I’m immunesuppressed. I had my rheumatology clinic appointment 2.5 weeks after testing positive and my CRP was 120 - which I assumed was post Covid related at the time but I didn’t go on to develop long Covid thankfully. Once I restarted Mycophenolate and had first Rituximab the fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea stopped. I realise that I have a different autoimmune disease to yours but I just thought I’d say because overlaps are common for us all - eg post stoma surgery, I’ve developed some kind of inflammatory colitis.

[Tessie62]

I had a colonoscopy, July 2022. It showed me as having, "Prominent Lymphoid Aggregates". I actually just received this diagnosis and need to see another Gastro for more testing. Anyway, I googled this diagnosis and found it can be related to having Lupus/Sjogren's as I do have both.

[Poshcards]

I have had Lupus for over 30 years and I have sever bouts of s and d, we always say its my monthly clear out because of the drugs I take xx

[Potatoheat]

I have had Lupus for 3o years. Have had bouts of unexplained diarrhoea all that time. Can be fine for weeks then it occurs mainly in mornings. 2 colonoscopies all OK. Bouts of nauseous pain again random times, eventually had a very scarred appendix removed so that was the pain issue dealt with but I still get the ibs . I blame my meds and sometimes too much "healthy" food . It limits my social life a bit because I'm never sure how I'm going to be , travel is a problem sometimes, so then causes a nervous reaction. I always need to know where nearest loos are and get really annoyed by the council's closing all the public conveniences. I take Imodium before long journeys . To be honest it's the worst part of Lupus for me these days , the rest is well controlled. So conclusion, is it the meds or the Lupus , I don't know .

I hope you find some answers and a good remedy❤️