Fairly common. However, if your arthritis is peripheral, it is more likely to follow your IBD course. Axial (spinal inflammatory arthritis) is more likely to be independent of the IBD, even decades before onset of IBD or decades after colectomy.

I was diagnosed with enteropathic arthritis 10 years ago and 10 years post colectomy. I was put on biologics and do pretty well. Not perfect, but pretty good.

You can get a lot of information here: http://www.spondylitis.org/about/

Jan

Just like with IBD, the course can be variable. If your treatment is successful, you can remain very active. But, just like with IBD, there will be flares. 

I had signs of enteropathic arthritis, with assorted unexplained episodes of tendinopathy as early as my 20's, but the more disabling stuff was around 50.

Jan

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis about 15 years ago after having UC for 20 odd years ( now have a pouch  but every time I asked the consultant if they were linked they could never tell me for sure. My son has IBD and has also developed AS so there maybe is a link but don't think there has been any research to prove it. Luckily we have both responded very well to Humira which keeps the AS at bay. I know it's difficult but try to keep positive ~ good luck