Should I Consult My Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Lymphocytic Colitis Diagnosis?
I’m a 30-year-old woman with a medical history that includes polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, and recently, lymphocytic colitis. In addition to these conditions, I also have a background of cubital tunnel syndrome. I underwent surgery last year to correct the issue on my left side, but unfortunately, my right side is beginning to show similar problems and has worsened recently. Additionally, I am experiencing a pinched nerve in my left hip which results in pain and numbness. Just two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis following biopsies taken during a colonoscopy. This procedure was necessary due to my ongoing struggle with more than a dozen episodes of watery diarrhea that have persisted for the past two months, although I've experienced similar issues intermittently for nearly a decade. Finally having a diagnosis feels like a relief, and the Budesonide medication appears to be beneficial. Upon researching lymphocytic colitis, I learned that it may increase my risk for rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other autoimmune disorders. About a year ago, I had surgery to alleviate compression on my left ulnar nerve, which was severely pinched to the point of needing correction—my surgeon described my nerve as being constricted like an hourglass. Despite the surgery, I've still not regained full function in my pinky and ring fingers on that side, and now I’m beginning to experience similar symptoms on my right hand. On top of that, I have persistent hip pain, with the nerve-related symptoms primarily affecting my left side. My mobility is further restricted due to upper back and neck pain, making it difficult to engage in activity for prolonged periods. I’m only able to manage work by sitting on my couch with my laptop. Interestingly, I notice that light physical activities like walking tend to alleviate my hip pain, even though initiating movement can sometimes be painful. I find that walking daily helps maintain a level of control over my symptoms, though the discomfort tends to amplify after periods of inactivity, particularly in the mornings. I've scheduled a follow-up appointment with my doctor for two weeks from now, but I'm grappling with the instinct to cancel it. Part of me fears that the doctor will dismiss my concerns as irrational for linking these various symptoms. Despite the discomfort being manageable, I frequently rely on the maximum dosage of acetaminophen, which I realize might not be the best option for my health. Do you think it would be beneficial for me to discuss these concerns with my doctor?
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 9:01:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with your medical history and recent diagnoses, but discussing your concerns with your doctor is crucial for your health. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that can be linked to other autoimmune disorders, and your experience warrants a thorough evaluation.
Explanation
Rheumatoid arthritis can be associated with other inflammatory conditions, and your lymphocytic colitis increases the importance of monitoring for autoimmune issues. Your ongoing symptoms, including nerve pain and weakness in your hands, also suggest a possible underlying connective tissue issue, which should be evaluated.
The relief you’ve found with Budesonide for your colitis is a positive step, but it’s essential to address your other symptoms to improve your overall quality of life. Suppose you’re experiencing persistent pain, numbness, and functional limitations. In that case, these factors can significantly impact your daily activities and overall well-being.
Next Steps
-
Maintain Your Appointment: Do not cancel your follow-up appointment. It’s vital to discuss your complete health picture with your doctor. Explain your concerns about RA and how your symptoms connect.
-
Prepare for Your Visit: Before your appointment, create a list of all your symptoms, including frequency, duration, and how they affect your daily activities. Mention your concerns about RA and any research you've done. This will help guide your conversation and ensure you address everything during your visit.
-
Discuss Pain Management: Bring up your use of acetaminophen and discuss alternative pain management strategies. Your doctor might suggest other medications or therapies that can help without the risks associated with long-term acetaminophen use.
-
Incorporate Physical Activity: Since light activity like walking helps alleviate some symptoms, continue this practice, but listen to your body. If pain persists, consider pacing your activities and incorporating gentle stretching.
-
Explore Support Options: Seek support groups, whether in person or online, to connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can help you feel less isolated and provide valuable coping strategies.
Remember, advocating for yourself in a medical setting is essential for effective management of chronic conditions. Your symptoms are valid, and it’s important to voice them to your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and care.
Related Questions
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.