Do I Need Testing for Additional Autoimmune Disorders?
Age: 22 Sex: Female Hello everyone, I understand the common reply is usually to consult a healthcare professional. However, I’m trying to assess whether my concerns are valid and if I should seek further medical evaluation. Here’s a timeline of my health experiences: Last July, I began experiencing intense abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea, which led to a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. - To manage the symptoms, I was prescribed prednisone. - By October, I started treatment with Humira. - Unfortunately, in late February, I developed hidradenitis suppurativa along with some mild, itchy, red dry patches on my palms and right leg. - As of February this year, I transitioned to Entyvio. Following these developments, I noticed some intermittent discomfort in my right heel. - I also began experiencing occasional pain in my right shoulder, potentially linked to an old softball injury. - Recently, I began to feel significant pain on the right side of my chest at the sternum-rib junction. This discomfort was severe enough to hinder my movement and breathing, despite engaging in gentle Pilates exercises. In the last few weeks, I’ve felt discomfort in my hip, specifically around the upper glute and low back areas, as well as in the hip joint. The pain intensifies while sitting or standing but seems to improve with activities like climbing stairs or squatting. The severity has been such that I've needed to rely on a walker, which feels incredibly alarming at my age. After some research and seeking assistance from AI, I’ve discovered that due to my Crohn’s diagnosis, I might be at an elevated risk for ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, the red patches I’ve experienced might indicate the possibility of psoriatic arthritis. I’m reaching out for advice to determine whether this situation warrants more serious investigation beyond mere aches and discomfort.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 10:01:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned given your symptoms and existing diagnosis of Crohn's disease, which can indeed be associated with other autoimmune disorders. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and what you could consider doing next.
Overview of Key Points
- Potential Autoimmune Associations: Crohn’s disease is linked with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Current Symptoms: Your new symptoms—particularly the chest pain, hip discomfort, and reliance on a walker—warrant careful evaluation.
- Actionable Steps: Monitor your symptoms, keep a detailed record of all discomfort, and consider additional testing.
Explanation
Your history of Crohn’s disease makes you more susceptible to developing additional autoimmune conditions; it is essential to address symptoms early on. The current symptoms you described—pain in your shoulder, hip, and especially severe chest pain—could be related to inflammatory arthritis, other autoimmune conditions, or even complications from Crohn’s. It’s important to differentiate between these potential causes.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when you experience pain, its intensity, any other symptoms (like swelling or redness), and activities that worsen or relieve it. This tool is invaluable for discussing with a healthcare professional.
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Prioritize Monitoring: Keep track of severe symptoms, especially any changes in the severity of chest pain or new symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling in joints.
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Consider Further Evaluation: Based on your research on potential associations, it’s reasonable to seek further discussions with a healthcare provider, such as a rheumatologist, who specializes in autoimmune conditions. While I won't recommend specific tests, a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms may be warranted.
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Exercise and Mobility: Engage in gentle movements that do not exacerbate your pain. While Pilates has been beneficial, modifying exercises to stay active without distress is essential.
Remember that while your symptoms can feel overwhelming, many people manage similar conditions successfully with the right approach and support. Being proactive about your health will help you stay informed and empowered. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
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