Ulcerative Colitis (J-pouch) and Degenerative Disc Disease...anybody else?

samwoldMember

Hello everybody! It has been a long time since I posted but I was wondering if anybody else has had lower back issues after the J-pouch surgery? I had the surgery back in 2005 and within a year or two afterward, I started having back issues where any twisting could lead to my back seizing up and serious pain. Recently, the back pain has been more constant with several really painful episodes. I have done physical therapy and seen a back doctor and chiropractor will little results. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and early signs of arthritis a while back as well.

Anybody else have a similar experience or have any advice they can provide? I am going to get an updated MRI on Tuesday and see a neurosurgeon on Wednesday to discuss my options. I am considering an epidural injection to see if that helps.

Thanks and happy holidays!

Sam

12/24/178:06 PM

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Scott FMember

Degenerative disc disease is very, very common. I don’t think there’s any connection to IBD or J-pouch surgery at all. I had back surgery a couple of years ago that helped enormously, but mine had becom very severe, affecting strength in my leg. The surgery wasn’t very bad, but many people with back pain are better off without it. I hope you find some relief!

12/24/1710:55 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

I agree with Scott, with one caveat. I was diagnosed with enteropathic arthritis about a decade after my colectomy for UC, although I had symptoms since 20 years before my colectomy. It just was not significant to make the connection. Anyway, my diagnosis was made basically due to chronic low back/upper buttock pain. I also have some degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. My rheumatologist said that enteropathic arthritis can accelerate the degeneration.

You mainly need to see a rheumatologist to determine if there is a connection.

Jan