Is this a flare ?!

[Eiram50]

Hi

Amongst all that's going on for people, I had to think about asking for some advice - it's not a biggie .

For a few days I've had real pain at the top of my tummy but also in my ribs, under breasts which radiates from my back ( I think!) and my stomach has been very upset. Even if I drink, never mind eat, I have to go to the bathroom.

I don't feel ill per se but I am aware of increasing pain everywhere and feel totally sapped of energy.

I know before diagnosis, I experienced similar problems with my stomach, before becoming ill rapidly, all joints swollen and painful.

Could this be a flare ? It feels a silly question but it's difficult for me to tell in so far as I'm always swollen and In some degree of pain as things are not yet well controlled.

The only difference is the pain in ribs, chest, too of stomach area.

As I've mentioned, I'm off to Budapest with my daughters next week and if something's brewing, I'd rather attend to

It now. Equally, it may be that this is just part of the ongoing bits and pieces that accompany AS and RD?

Any advice gratefully received.

Marie

[Mhairi54]

Hi Marie, the pain in your chest/ribs could be Costochondritis? Not sure about the upset stomach though? Hopefully it's not a flare, and you manage your trip to Budapest ok. x

[Eiram50 in reply to Mhairi54]

Thanks mhairi

I think if it's still the same in another couple of days, I'll get it checked out.

I've been in enbrel and Mtx for a good while and until last month, was having my bloods done weekly. I've been so busy with work and kids that I just haven't been to have them done for 3 weeks and I guess that's in the back of my mind too!

[mattcass]

Hi Marie sorry to hear you are going through this I have the same symptoms like yourself I had stomach problems for twenty years and for a while I thought it was the same the only difference was the severe pain, Till I was told it was flare ups due to the cartridges & in the rib-cage mines don't stay to long and return to my hands. Good Luck Mattcass

[Eiram50 in reply to mattcass]

Thanks mattcass, that's really helpful to know.

It's a difficult one isn't it as we can never be sure if it's the condition itself and may need looked at or the medication they give us, to treat the condition!

Did they offer anything to help with it? Or did it just resolve itself over time?

ThAnks so much for your response.

Marie

[thelmar in reply to Eiram50]

Hi

My GP once told me to never assume something is down to the RD. Always get it checked out. Good advice I think.

[ruth_p]

I've recently had pain around the chest just under my bust and around my back. This was resulting in nausea and it happened when I ate. I didn't have an upset stomach with it though. I went to my gp after excruciating pain over the weekend. He diagnosed me with gastritis caused by the meloxicam I've been taking without any stomach protection. He prescribed me omeprazole and I've been off the meloxicam. Your symptoms sound very similar. Go see your gp x

[Eiram50 in reply to ruth_p]

Hi Ruth

That sounds very similar to how I'm feeling now. I do take omeprazole however but yeah I think I will get it checked out.

Thanks

Marie

[Taffsmum]

Hi Maria,

I'm on enbrel and methotrexate. I started having sharp pains in the rib/chest area and my rheumatologist ordered a chest X-ray. All was fine and said it was costochronditis. Might be worth getting checked out for peace of mind.

[Matalow]

Marie, please get it checked a.s.a.p. Hope your trip goes well.

Kind Regards Mike

[Eiram50 in reply to Matalow]

I'll make an appointment for tomorrow, thanks mike.

Also. Thanks to everyone who responded , much appreciated.

Marie

[AgedCrone]

Get a blood test done. If it's anything that needs attention it will show up there.,