Lung Test

[TheBoys]

Hello

I have rheumatoid arthritis and have had a series of chest infections and two pneumonias in last 4 years.

To get my RA under control, my doctor wants to see how my lungs are. An xray in December showed a small atelactasis in thr lower left lung. I ve had two treatments of amoxicillin since and it feels ok. My doctor felt a CT scan of the lung would be sound

I ve now had a referral to the respiratory clinic at Royal London Hospital

What should i expect to happen ...has anyone had this experience

Thanks

[Katinka46]

Yes. It depends a lot on your doctor’s referral letter. Can you get a copy? I went for them to look specifically at small airways disease. I had three sessions there. First, just for a day, then for a short inpatient stay for many more tests, and then for another day for another test. I am still waiting for the final appointment. But they have diagnosed the SAD as obliterative bronchiolitis, so I am not too concerned about the final session. I think I have dropped out of their radar. I live in Yorkshire so it was a major logistics exercise getting there with my lung problems.

They are very thorough. You will have a load of tests.

Let us know how it goes.

K

[TheBoys in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks for that. Thats useful. My Rheumatology doc wants me to take methotryxate but i am very wary with its known lung effects. A scan has been ordered for definate... i guess they ll want to know why i get breathless etc

[Hidden in reply to TheBoys]

Hi, I have RA with Bronchiectasis and Asthma. I've been on MTX on and off for years with no worsening of either of my lung diseases.

[Hidden]

Hi The Boys

Well you are going to the right place for anything to do with the lungs. They will be looking for bronchiectasis ( which is what I think you meant). I have bronch but I do not have RA. RA and bronchiectasis can sometimes go together because the same underlying cause can lead to both.

I think that you are wise to wait until you have seen the resiratory people before accepting to take methotrexate. Personally I would want more expert opinion before using a drug which could further damage my lungs. There may be alternative drugs for RA which won’t pose this risk.

[Hidden]

I have looked at atelactesis which is different to bronch in that it is an area of collapsed lung. Either way, the best thing is that the experts are going to look at it and I, personally would still not take methotrexate until I had their advice.

[TheBoys]

Thanks ...thats useful.

I definately wont take any drug that leaves me worse off. I ll be glad when they get to the bottom of it though.

Paul

[Caspiana]

Hello TheBoys ,

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis induced lung disease and am currently on Methotrexate and Remicade. I was diagnosed with RA about eleven years ago and Bronchiolitis Obliterans almost five years ago. I am currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

And yes, there are lots of tests, but just take it a day at a time. Please do let us know how things go for you.

Best wishes,

Cas xx 🌿🌼

[TheBoys in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Cas,

Thanks for this. I ll keep you posted,

Paul x