Question
Hello…I was recently exposed to Salmonella poisoning via peanut butter. This has been documented twice in our local emergency room. Since this exposure I have experienced SEVERE pain in my lower back, knees, elbows, wrist and ankles. The doctor informed me this was directly related to the Salmonella but would pass and he gave me Motrin, Tramadol, and a Cortisone injection. This only relieves the pain in a small degree. I am to see a RA doctor tomorrow, but I am questioning how long will I continue to feel these effects..? I was diagnosed with RA 16 years ago, and have suffered in a range from mild to moderate but generally only in my fingers, and occasionally my feet. But never anything like this.
Answer
You may have a form of arthritis called “Reactive Arthritis” which is the updated name for “Reiter’s Disease”. Reactive arthritis occurs usually 2-3 weeks after a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection, many times after the symptoms of the original infection has cleared. The joints themselves are not infected but the inflammation in the joints is thought to be a “immune reaction” to infection elsewhere in the body. Antibiotics are usually of limited value for the arthritis. Symptoms are usually better in 6-8 weeks but occasionally they can last longer.
