RA and IBS

[Dobcross1]

Hi I've been reading about gut health and research into the role gut microbiome plays in Irritable bowel syndrome and it got me wondering. How many of us who have RA currently have or, maybe more importantly, have had IBS for a long time and whether there is a link? I've had IBS since my late teens and was diagnosed with RA last year and wonder if there's a connection/pattern anyone knows of? ...

[Mmrr]

I have had gut issues since being diagnosed with RD, which I believe to be MTX related. So not sure if I maybe had predisposition or just not related at all.

[Hidden]

No I’ve never had IBS or gut problems (so far)

[Thingybob]

I had a lot of bloating ibs type symptoms for a couple of years on and off before the ondet of RD. I used to blame the coffee at work, white bread etc etc as I was fit active and had healthy diet. Si who knows maybe theres a link?

[Rheumagal]

I’ve had major gut issues for years before and after diagnosis however eliminating gluten, rice and other offenders has greatly improved my gut health.

My opinion: many gut issues are inflammatory in nature and can potentially trigger or make worse autoimmune and other inflammatory conditions. However, Wether there is a confirmed link or not hasn’t been medically established and neither am I convinced there’s a definite connection. I’ve always had gut issues not Ra. And my gut is improving with diet regardless of my Ra. There are many possible triggers for Ra. There are many causes of gut issues.

Dietary changes can be beneficial for any inflammatory condition wether it be IBS or RA.

[gillbutler in reply to Rheumagal]

Totally agree with you! Have had IBS for many years and was diagnosed with RA 7 years ago. Cutting dairy and later gluten plus a number of other things definitely helps control of both conditions. I also believe stress to be a factor, particularly in aggravating IBS, and exercise is definitely beneficial for both .

[Dobcross1 in reply to gillbutler]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like for some of us there could be a connection - but like everything with RA there's no strong evidence either way! Glad cutting out certain foods is helpful for some. Thanks again.

[Hidden]

I think you are right. I have had gut problems since I was in my early teens, either constipation or diarrhea and with stomach pains and wind. I was only diagnosed with RA in my 60's although I suspect it started long before that.

[Nanna71]

No connection for me.

[Simba1992]

It has been shown in several studies that IBS gives musculoskeletal symptoms. Making correct diagnosis is not always easy. RA sufferers often have gut problems but not necessarily before before the outbreak of the disease.

[Loura]

I've had RA from the age of three. Fast forward 40 years I received diagnoses of ulcerative colitis, autoimmune hepatitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and raynauds. I am reviewed in several clinics and all of the consultants have confirmed that it is not uncommon to have more than one autoimmune disease/condition. 49 now, so am looking forward to the next batch. Sound like a right hypochondriac!!!