Well, another colonoscopy Thursday. This time, there were obvious signs of Crohn's, with some lesions / abrasions. I'm scheduled for a pill cam endoscopy Monday, since my terminal ileum is really affected, and my doctor thinks it may also be in my small intestines. We are also waiting for biopsy results from the colonoscopy endoscopy. With the results of the biopsies, and pill cam, we will decide on a treatment regimen to hopefully induce remission. Lately, with the heat, my joints have become even more swollen and achy. I have the same issues as my 83 year old grandmother. She has rheumatoid arthritis, as did my great grandmother, which is interesting since it is another autoimmune disease and has similarities to crohns. In fact they are often treated with the same meds. I am also going to be referred to a rheumatologist, since I have visual signs of arthritis, and have already had joint problems due to a wretched car accident a few years ago. I am anxious to see my treatment regimen. It is scary knowing the potential side effects of any choice out there to treat crohns at this stage, either immunosuppressants or biologic. Im still waiting to hear back from social security disability. That has been nerve wracking, but there is no possible way at this time I can maintain a job. I hate hate hate relying on the "system" but until I am healthy it is near impossible. Just hoping that the pill cam goes well, hehe, and I can get started with treatment

I hate complaining I really do. So the past three and a half weeks I've been on Asacol HD. Though not a cure all, it has reduced my frequency and urgency, which has been awesome. On the other hand though, my joints have gone out of control. At night my ankles swell up to the size of softballs and I can barely make it up,or down the stairs. Every joint of my body has been on fire, I literally feel every move, and it's terrible. I haven't had this much physical pain since my car accident. I feel like I have rebroken my bones, it is that painful in places. I have another endoscopy/colonoscopy scheduled for Thursday, with numerous biopsies and possible strictureplasty if need be. I also will be seeing a rheumatologist along with getting a DEXA scan in a few weeks to see just ow bad my joints are. My GI was surprised at the swelling on the joints just at a quick glance. I was given Mobic(sadly an NSAID), just for the couple of days before my procedure to try to manage the pain. Next course of action will be an immunosuppressant or biologic, trying to hit oth the arthritis and Crohn's. Since I have a history of rheumatoid arthritis in my family, my GI and rheumy need to see what kind of arthritis is present. Crohn's is a disease that just keeps on giving, or should I say, complicating. I feel like absolute crap, and am in the process of filing for disability since its made it impossible to work. Like oh hey I'm 23 but some days my joints are so sore I can't make it out of bed, or some days I end up in the bathroom 20+ times, but please hire me. I am a liability to a company, even if by law I cannot be discrimated against, but I feel like it has happened in the past. I'm looking for a job where I can work from home..lgranted I still have the mental capacity to work and get things completed, but my physical abilities have been limited. I am praying that disability comes through, for I am barely making ends meet, even while living at home. I'm scared to death when my student loans start to role in. The next few weeks wll be chaotic but I hope I can et some answers and hopefully new treatment.