Resolved question:
I am 29/f and have amxiety and ulcerative colitis. The past 5 days I have been experiencing pain all over my body but in different spots at different times. Mostly my lower back legs and chest. I am worried what it may be but dont want to go to the er. I have noticed the past month I have beeb losing hair and have been sleeping a lot too. The leg pain is keeping me up at night.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your consult at DoctorSpring.com. I need a little more information to really get a good idea of your situation. Here are a few questions:
When were you diagnosed with ulcerative colitis?
Are you currently on any medication for your illness?
What other medications do you regularly take?
Can you describe your chest pain?
With more information I can give you some suggestions on how to proceed further.
Thanks again and I await your reply.
I was 19 when diagnosed w UC. I had my appendix removed 10 yrs ago as well but no other surgeries. Allergies diabetes , 3-5 glasses of wine a week, no medications but multi vitamin. My chest lpain feels achy nothign serious but it still bothers me.
Hello,
Thank you for the additional information.
The leg pain and the other pains your experience is bit of non specific as of now. By non specific I mean that it is not possible to put a conclusive diagnosis at this stage.
Joint Pains can occur in Ulcerative Colitis. This is a type of seronegative arthritis. These kind of manifestations are called extra intestinal manifestation of Ulcerative Colitis. This a possibility in your case IF the pain persists for long duration (for months). Thankfully these can be well treated.
Other unrelated issues like a bulged disc, muscle strain etc can cause the back and leg pain. As a first step you can take an NSAID like Ibuprofen 400 mg twice daily (in consult with your Doctor as it might make UC symptoms worse in some cases). Take good rest. If the pain persists you should get it evaluated.
The sleepiness and hairloss seems unrelated. A low Thyroid hormones is a possibility (Hypothyroidism) . Do get a Thyroid Function Test if not done recently. Discuss the option of taking Vitamin supplements with your Doctor (as absorption might be impaired due to the UC ) . Vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss.
Hope this helps
Please feel free to ask clarifications / Followups.
Thank you