Abdominal pain

[angela1b]

I have RA and am on mtx and humira. The last month or so I have been experiencing extreme lower abdominal pain. So much so it wakes me up at night. No constipation or diarrhea. It usually lasts a few days but so uncomfortable. I will discuss with my rumi next appt. I went to the walk in clinic two weeks ago and the dr. treated me with antibiotics for a bladder infection, which turns out I did not have. I am wondering if RA inflamation can occur in the colon or could this be a side effect of meds. Or some other disease.

[EdieB]

Sorry to hear you are having difficulties. I have been saying for 3 weeks now no side effects from the Leflunomide I’m taking. Well I guess I spoke too soon. Woke up this morning feeling “weird” and my stomach not so good. Like you no bowel problems but I have to say you are experiencing side effects.

Hope you are feeling better!

[medway-lady]

GO TO GP. It could be passing kidney stones to cancer. Sorry but we are not medically qualified and any pain that wakes you up must be investigated properly. Look up NHS website or call 111 but please don't assume all problems might be side effects as even if some one else gets them, it may well be in your case its something else.

Sorry if thats sounds harsh but waiting till March if it is serious might just be stupid really. xx

[angela1b in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you, I do intend to go to my gp.

[EdieB in reply to medway-lady]

You are absolutely correct medway-lady. I guess I didn't realize the extent of the pain.

[nomoreheels]

If the antibiotics didn't help & you're still experiencing abdominal pain whether extreme or not please do see your GP Angela. It could be any number of things, this is why I think it's best you're checked over because not all symptoms are a result of side effects though understandably we do often tend to blame them. Any extreme pain shouldn't be ignored or left to see if it subsides, particularly if it comes & goes.

[Eiram50]

Hi Angela

Sorry to hear that your not feeling to good.

I would agree that you should see your doctor and get things checked out.

I’m uncertain with regards to RA and inflammation in the colon but my understanding is that there’s a link between RA and Crohns disease so go get it checked- better safe than sorry .

Feel better soon

Marie

[Needforname]

Sorry to hear. I too have had stomach issues with RA. A gnawing aching pain for years. Was diagnosed with RA a couple years ago. I agree with others... talk to your doctor. There does seem to be a lot of folks with RA and stomach issues. Maybe inflammation causes the pain or causes swollen lymph nodes. I think the stress and meds contribute too. Maybe try digestive enzymes and probiotics while you're waiting for the doctor visit. I've found they can help sometime. Best of luck. I feel your pain.

[AverilS]

Yes, go and see your GP. I reacted really badly to a new course of iron tablets so the GP sent me for an endoscopy. Fortunately my stomach was ok but they found diverticular disease in my colon. I'm fine now as long as I take Buscopan regularly. I don't know if it was the RA meds I'd been on or the RA itself that caused the problem, but whatever the cause, it's a good job I said something or it could have been far worse.

[angela1b]

Ok went to gastro last week and colonoscopy this morning. Everything was good. A couple of red areas. Dr. said it was most likely a bout of diverticulitis. Feeling much better. More fiber🤒

[talpaca in reply to angela1b]

Glad to hear they might have figured out what was up! I have strong lower abdominal pain and nausea every time I take my injectable methotrexate (Rasuvo). Rheum says its not associated with the drug but its like clockwork.