Concerns Regarding Autoimmune Conditions
Age: 22 Gender: Female Greetings everyone, I understand the typical response is to suggest seeing a healthcare professional, but I'm hoping to gauge whether my worries are unwarranted and if a visit to the doctor is truly necessary. Here's a brief overview of my situation in chronological order: - In July of last year, I experienced intense abdominal pain accompanied by blood in my stool, leading to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. - To manage this, I was prescribed prednisone to alleviate the symptoms. - Subsequently, I began using Humira in October of the same year. - In February, I developed hidradenitis suppurativa and experienced some minor red, itchy dry patches on my palms and right leg. Due to ongoing issues, I switched to Entyvio in February 2025. - After this transition, I started to feel occasional mild pain in my right heel. - Furthermore, I experienced some discomfort in my right shoulder intermittently, likely from a previous softball injury. - A new concern arose with sharp pain on the right side of my chest, specifically where my sternum meets my ribs. I suspected it might stem from Pilates, but I had practiced with extreme caution, questioning why it was so severe and debilitating. - Over the last few weeks, I also noticed pain in my hip area, particularly in my upper glute and lower back, including joint pain that I suspect could be related to sciatica. This discomfort worsens with sitting or standing but improves slightly when going upstairs or in a squatting position. The pain has become so intense that I’ve had to use a walker, which feels overwhelming at my young age. In my research, I’ve learned that my Crohn's condition may increase my risk of ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, the red patches on my skin could indicate psoriatic arthritis. I'm seeking opinions on whether my symptoms might be indicative of a more serious health issue beyond just common aches and pains.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 11:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have a complex medical history with several ongoing symptoms, and it's understandable to feel concerned about potential complications related to Crohn's disease and your recent experiences. Your symptoms, particularly the joint pain and skin issues, could suggest a connection to inflammatory conditions or arise from other factors.
Explanation
Crohn's disease is known to be associated with a number of extra-intestinal manifestations, including conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. These conditions could explain your joint pain, red patches, and overall discomfort. Your age and the onset of these symptoms may prompt further evaluation to clarify what you're experiencing and ensure you receive appropriate treatment and management.
Next Steps
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Symptom Tracking: Start maintaining a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any factors that exacerbate or relieve them. This will help in discussions with healthcare professionals.
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Pain Management: For now, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help manage discomfort. However, be mindful of gastrointestinal issues that can accompany these medications, especially given your Crohn's disease.
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Modify Activities: Adjust physical activities and choose low-impact exercises that won't exacerbate your pain. Gentle stretching or walking, for instance, can be beneficial without aggravating your symptoms.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are staying hydrated and following a balanced diet that suits your condition. Nutrition is crucial, especially with Crohn’s disease, to manage inflammation and support overall health.
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Seek Professional Advice: While you're seeking opinions here, I still encourage you to connect with a healthcare provider. Sharing your symptom diary and concerns can facilitate a more personalized evaluation. They may suggest imaging studies or tests to assess for conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, or other related issues.
It's important to feel in control of your health, and staying informed and proactive is a great approach. Your symptoms deserve attention to prevent further complications, and seeking clarity from a professional can help guide your treatment effectively.
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