PMR and IBS

[MaryA_]

I was diagnosed with IBS a short time before the PMR. NOW I'm wondering if the two are connected. Is the IBS a symptom of the PMR? I just down loaded the book by Kate Gilbert from Amazon

[PMRpro Ambassador]

PMR is the name given to symptoms due to an underlying autoimmune disorder - and there are autoimmune disorders that will also cause IBS-type symptoms. It is very possible that you don't have "just" PMR but something that causes both sets of symptoms. Who diagnosed the IBS and what tests did they do? Both PMR and IBS should be diagnoses of exclusion - you exclude all the other nastier options and then you may decide it is PMR or IBS. But far too many GPs either don't know or don't bother. I suppose it is fair enough to look for horses when you hear hoofbeats - but it just might be a zebra!

[MaryA_]

Interesting. Think it's probably time to see a Rhumatologistit's. It took almost 3 years for doc to put me on a med for the IBS and now it seem not to be working properly after another 8 months. It's all so frustrating! I'm finding that the book is helpful understanding some of it and so is this website 😇

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MaryA_]

I think that is a very good idea!

[Rimmy]

Hello

IBS is often just a commonly used descriptor for a spectrum of digestive issues/problems. Even an official diagnosis of IBS - reached by excluding more serious or other 'causes' - is often rather vague and many people - despite diet changes and all kinds of treatments - alternative and more conventional - can have uncontrollable IBS symptoms for years. Nevertheless some people get relief by various means and that is great - but others do not. So just to throw another spanner into the works - although I had IBS for many years - and nothing seemed to help - I have found that since being on (high-moderate dose so far) pred that my digestion has improved dramatically to very 'normal'. In my case (database of only 'one' of course) I have been able to eat raw veg, chillies, onions, garlic and spicy foods with absolutely no adverse consequences - and I have been loving that !! - especially as my partner is a very long term vegan and I was always eyeing off her food with great desire. My worry now is that when I taper to lower doses that this 'miraculous' 'side-effect' might vanish. The only thing which may be assisting me is the fact that i have been eating a daily dose of full fat Greek yoghurt with my pills each am - but I had tried this for more limited periods in the past and probiotics never seemed to help to this extent before.

This info may not assist you though - but it would be interesting to hear about others' experiences regarding this subject.

Good luck

[MaryA_ in reply to Rimmy]

I think I may do the Greek yogurt in am as you surgested. Thanks

[Rimmy in reply to MaryA_]

Worth a try - make sure it is full fat and with all the 'bugs' in it. It also makes a great stomach liner for pred and other pills - and be persistent as it took about a month before I noticed a real difference - I have been eating this consistently for 8 months or so now.

[MaryA_ in reply to Rimmy]

Thank much!

[Joan-E-D in reply to Rimmy]

I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago. Taking Pred. for my PMR has eased the symptoms better than any other treatment or dietary modifications I've had. I also have had Psoriasis on and off, and was particularly bad just before I got PMR but has almost disappeared with the Pred. now. I too wonder if the symptoms will comeback as I reduce the Pred. dose. I'm on 10 mg now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Joan-E-D]

Sounds as if whatever your IBS was or was not there was an autoimmune component to it. I'd also wonder if it really IS PMR - or is it psoriatric arthritis?

[Joan-E-D in reply to PMRpro]

I don't think I have psoriatic arthritis as my joints are fine. I started with the typical severe stiffness and bilateral muscle pain in my thighs, shoulders and arms, along with weakness and fatigue, that responded to Pred. within a day. Reducing Pred. is causing some of the pain to come back but nowhere near as much stiffness as before. I'm now trying to find the lowest dose that controls the worst of the pain and muscle weakness.

[MaryA_ in reply to PMRpro]

I think it’s the PMR

[Rowboat]

Hi,

I have been lining my tummy with porridge for breakfast then I take the pred with a yakult. So far so good

Rowboat

[Slowdown]

I had no digestive problems before PMR dx 2 years ago but over the last couple of months had several episodes of unusual symptoms which resulted in a colonoscopy. After the procedure I was patted on the shoulder and told I had IBS and diverticulitis both 'very common' and nothing to worry about (a silent 'at your age, dear') As usual I didn't have the wit to ask more, such as does one cause the other and how to manage with diet. Diverticulitis I understand, but IBS seems to be a vague 'catch-all' definition with conflicting diet management techniques. I eat a very low carb diet (after relishing toast for a week or two for a Coeliac test, negative) with lots of full-fat Greek yogurt and veg, fish etc. but I've noticed a reaction, a twinge or two when I eat it now - I've developed a much more sensitive digestive system which is a right pain.... Good luck on the journey no-one wants to be on, but we're in wonderful company here