Just joined, seeking advice...

[Boone09]

Can anyone help? I have degenerative arthritis. New symptoms have developed. These include pins and needles in extremities, breathlessness, a tight chest and a dry cough that I cannot shake. Has anyone heard of anything similar before?

Thank you.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Hello and welcome 😊

Are respiratory problems new to you? The pins and needles could be caused by not breathing well enough, or by anxiety. I get pins and needles in my hands and legs frequently, sometimes it seems to be caused by poor breathing and poor circulation and other times by anxiety. I don't know much about arthritis to my shame, so I don't know if your symptoms could be caused by it. Someone knowledgeable will be along soon and will be able to answer your questions but I just wanted to say hello.

[Boone09 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thank you. I've been doing some research, and it turns out that arthritis can develop into pulmonary fibrosis, which found explain much of what I'm experiencing.

Thanks again though.

[sassy59]

Just want to welcome you to the forum. Hopefully someone will be able to help you very soon. Take care xxxx

[Boone09 in reply to sassy59]

Many thanks.

[RoadRunner44]

Hi to you and a warm welcome you lovely helpful forum.

I have General arthritis in my joints like many older people and attend a gentle stretching group to help keep me mobile. How does degenerative arthritis affect your daily life? Also are you under the care of a consultant? Chrys

[Boone09 in reply to RoadRunner44]

Hi. Constant pain, numbness and pins and needles makes mobility a real chore. From the minute I get it of bed it's a battle.

Walking, even a few steps, is painful. This is exacerbated by the breathlessness.

Thinking something else may be going on. I'm sure I'll get the answers eventually.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Boone09]

Try to keep strong. You don't have to wait long and you may get better news than you may think. We all have to keep positive. I really wish I could be more help to you. You must believe something is going to be done to help you. My thoughts are with you. Please let us know how you get on. Chrys

[AngieB72]

My pulmonary fibrosis has been caused by rheumatoid arthritis - your rheumatology consultant should be able to advise you and refer you to a thoracic consultant. Good luck.

[Boone09 in reply to AngieB72]

Thanks. Got some appts coming up in next few weeks. One next month. Chest X-Rays and blogs tests this week.

Fingers crossed.

[Izb1]

Hi Boone09, had to look up degenerative arthritis as I havent heard of this before, it seems to be osteoarthritis , so you need to look after your bones, especially calcium, it being a wear and tear type of disease . I have rheumatoid arthritis and this affects your lungs as it is an auto immune disease. When you were diagnosed did they do blood tests to rule out r.a., the reason I ask is that osteoarthritis doesnt usually affect your lungs, so you may have a lung condition as well and you will need the correct treatment. Wish you all the best x

[Boone09 in reply to Izb1]

Hi. Don't recall any specific tests to determine RA, just MRI scans. Upcoming tests may answer questions. Thank you.