Lungs and Rheumatoid Arthritis

[TheBoys]

At time of writing, I ve been away in Tenerife for a couple of weeks so my arthritis and breathing have all cleared u and feel physically better than in ages.

Im going for the last in a series of tests today - an ultrasound thoracic echocardiogram.

I ve ended up being prescribed prozac during this time as my blood pressure became elevated... i ve gotten worked up over the possibility of any long lasting lung or heart damage.

The echocardiogram is particularly stressful and i wont see the consultant for a further 5 weeks.

Has anyone had one of these tests?.does the scanner person give you an idea of anything that might be wrong? I m getting into a real bad way now and frightened to sleep in the night. I dont want to wait till.mid june for results of tests that started with CT scans at beginning of April.

[Caspiana]

Hi TheBoys .

I'm glad you had a good time in Tenerife. 😁 Welcome back. The echo test is not bad. It doesn't hurt. The lab technician will not interpret the results for you because they should be explained to you by your consultant. Anyway that's my experience , I've had this test at least five times now. It's nothing to worry about. I would mention your high level of anxiety to your doctor if possible. It's really not good to be so stressed out. Try not to think about what will happen five weeks from now. Think about today and what you will do to make it enjoyable and relaxing. 😁

Take good care.

Cas xx 🙋🐕

[soppysokes]

Try not to stress over the actual echo test it's nothing to fear,painless and comfortable. The worse part is awaiting results but that is the same for everyone, obviously worse for those who suffer with anxiety! Expect to get little, if any feedback from the appointment the scan needs reading by qualified radiographer, not the person doing the scan.

[Oshgosh]

I had an chocardiogram,this week,they said results will be sent to consultant.

I asked which consultant,as I’m under care of 2 consultants..

It’s the rheumatologist,so I’m fairly hopeful as I have an appointment with rheumatologist in 4 weeks, so am hoping for more info then. The waiting is horrid.we seem to be always waiting for something.

About today,I know it’s really stressful,but try to relax. Schedule a treat for afterwards,even if it’s only a cake or coffee.

I also get stressed as. I have to have a urinary uktrasound tomorrow,I’m stressed because of having to drink so much water and because I thought they were going to scan my kidneys.

Hope all goes well,will be thinking of you

[TheBoys in reply to Oshgosh]

Thanks for that. I ve got myself into a right old pickle

[Oshgosh in reply to TheBoys]

I’m sat her laughing at myself.

I’m giving you advice,but I’m wound up myself about my scan tomorrow’. Am going to give myself a good talking to.

[TheBoys in reply to Oshgosh]

Lol

[Oshgosh]

Sorry echocardiogram,hate predictive text.

[Maximonkey]

Hi, I am so glad you enjoyed your holiday. You seem to have become very agitated which is probably why your GP has prescribed Prozac which should calm you down. Don't worry about the Echocardiogram, it does not hurt, it is a little uncomfortable but that is all. You should not expect the technician to tell you anything, mine told me I was fine and that I would have the results in 1 week. I was fine and my GP rang me with the results. Try to stay calm and if you do not hear anything with 10 days ring your surgery and ask. If your consultant has sent you for the Echocardiogram your GP will also get the results. Take care and stay calm. Maximonkey

[TheBoys]

Tnx...it all stemmed from my meeting with the consultant...well 3 of them. One made a comment to a colleague about my pulse and something he d observed whilst the other was chatting to me directly. Then i guess the fear grew to the point that I m updating my will!

[Oshgosh in reply to TheBoys]

I saw seeing 2 consultants last time I went.i found it really informative,BUT a bit daunting,trying to keep up with 2 conversations at once. One wasa rheumatologist,the other the head of the ILD unit.she was a bit abrupt,but I have to respect her expertise- she’s highly respected in her field.

She kept firing questions about me, I just kept saying I’m not a Dr.! Anyway referred me to more depts. at the end I said, can I fly?? She said yes your lungs aren’t too bad . Result.

We have just come back from 2 weeks in Tunisia, it was good ,although. Y short ness of breath was a pain.

To return to the consult,she told me totaper some of my inhalers.

I did this,it didn’t work,asthma flared,so went toGP to liaise as advised.

THEN I remembered that. Y asthma s allergic( 28 years)

I hadn’t remembered this in the stress of the aPpointment.

Obviously I was y coping as well as I thought.so. I wentback to myCBT NOTES,which helped.

So I know an appointment with 2 docs is stressful.

I take a post it pad and write down key words,then ask for info at the end of appointment.

On a miserable note,will you please all send me a virtual hug??

I had 2 scans the week I went away. I have 2 appointments this week( they rang me whilst I was on the sun lounger to make one)

Also have dexa bone scan next week,they rang me up this morning.trying to keep a brave face,but this a really stressful time for me and my husband.

Also have a physio appointment today- soft bed on holiday has upset my back,plus lying on an airport floor during a delay didn’t help anything.

Look after yourselves.