Bone and joint pain

[KCIEM]

I was diagnosed at the start of the year with IBS.

Since around March I've started having a shooting pain in my left shoulder, I put this down to the gym but it's been constant. I've also had shooting pains in my collar bone and forearms and neck.

My joints seem to be a lot stiffer and I've got really dry eyes.

Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms as a result of IBS.

I'm reluctant to go to my GP about it as I'm just assuming it's related to the IBS

[Iesgobdafydd]

I believe my IBS was caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). My TMJD is atypical since usually TMJD affects mainly the jaw and sometimes the shoulder area, but mine affects the joints all round my body. It has given me joint stiffness and dry skin among other symptoms, I haven't noticed dry eyes but it definitely affects the focus of my eyes. I don't remember having shooting pains either, but I do get discomfort and pain from it, as well as fatigue and a feeling like not being able to breathe (while apparently breathing fine.) So TMJD could be something to look into, especially if you've had dental injuries or surgery, but possibly the cause of your symptoms is something quite different. I would really suggest going to your doctor about it, I don't remember seeing people mention stiff joints very often in this forum.

[CockeyMoor in reply to Iesgobdafydd]

I have had IBS for 28 years but never had stiffened joints although I do have TMJD coincidentally?

I think the stiff joints and dry eyes are a red herring and nothing to do with IBS . Sounds more like a side effect to a medication like Statins which cause aching joints or Amitriptyline which causes dry eyes. Just think outside the box . Might be hormonal ? If you have IBS -D I guess it could be dehydration ?

[xjrs]

It's best not to assume anything. Any change in symptoms should really be discussed with your GP.

[Sparrow58]

I have had shoulder discomfort especially left. Because I have good movement the GP said probably muscular. It may be worth seeing a GP as you maybe anxious about it which could be making it worse.