After more than 20 years since my colectomy and getting a J-Pouch, I had my first serious episode of Pouchitis. Not sure if nsaid pills were to blame, but I went to see a orthopedic doctor who prescribed them for arthritis in my left foot and knee. A month later, I was diagnosed with pouchitis. I was put on a pair of antibiotics, but soon after, started feeling exhausted. A week later, my left knee started swelling to large proportions with extreme pain. A trip to the E.R. department got me admitted to the hospital. By the end of the day, both feet, both knees and my left hand swelled to huge proportions. I was told I had reactive arthritis which was caused by the pouchitis. It took me 3 months to get back on my feet. But never did get all of my energy back. Perhaps my age ( 71) is a contributing factor. Has anyone had an experience like this?
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Claire, thanks for the info. I was given Cipro when I had a uti and it made my eye lids swell shut in 10 minutes. But, no, not when I had the reactive arthritis incident. I looked up about bring floxed, but my symptoms were not described, although the antibiotics that they gave me might have triggered my attack. I have been known to have reactions and allergies to more things lately. The doctors think that what happened to my legs is all part of that darn U.C. that still lives in my body . It attacks in many ways still.
It's a well-known risk of using NSAIDs that the longer you take them, the more likely you are to develop gastric distress. That would include pouchitis.
Unfortunately, I don't know of anything that relieves the pain of inflamed joints as well as NSAIDs. I have just started having a lot of muscle and joint pain which, I presume, is part of the UC immune disorder syndrome. I have also had a kidney removed due to kidney cancer, so I really, truly, should not be taking NSAIDs, since they're just as hard on your kidneys as your gut.
I've been using a combination of Tramadol and acetaminophen (Tylenol), along with a topical ointment called Topracin. Not ideal, but it gets me by so far.
I'm 65 and had my colectomy with J-pouch 10 years ago.
--Cate
i greatly emphasize as i too have terrible arthritis (2 g. tylenol daily) and fibromyalgia (150 mg lyrica 2X daily) and have had three joints replaced, with another overdue. keep pain at bay with daily yoga, pilates, PT exercises and meditation. takes up at least two hours a day, but i function very well. ice helps when acute.
I developed enteropathic arthritis (in the same group of arthropathies as reactive arthritis) about 10 years post colectomy. I was referred to a rheumatologist after more than 3 months of chronic sacroiliac pain. I was put on biologics. I also had other joint pains.
http://www.spondylitis.org/Types-of-Spondylitis
Jan 
Thanks for your replies. Now I know I'm not the only with associated arthritis to our bowel problems. I recently had cataract surgery, and having very slow recovery. Inflammation there too.
celebrex is suppose to be a NSAID that doesn't upset the GI. it did, however, trigger pouchitis with me. pity as my joints had far less pain. it works for others and perhaps it could for you? ask your doc.
levequin caused extreme tendonitis throughout my entire body. i was very fortunate in that it went away once i stopped the meds. that too was a pity as it kept the pouchitis under control. others can never get rid of it, according to web testimonials.
hope you feel better, janet
After my horrible reaction to NSAID drugs last year, I will never take another one. Sulfasalazine seems to help the pouch; not so much with the arthritis. But I can deal with that pain, so far. The most important thing is to protect my j pouch. Thank you all for the feedback. Makes me realize how fortunate I was for 20 years, before the NSAID. Just wish I was informed prior to that