I was diagnosed last August, over and he past few months I have been so unwell, GP says its chest infections, but I don't even have a cough. My chest is so tight I have trouble breathing. 3 doses of antibiotics dose of steroids and inhalers and stil, no further on. I have appointments for an Echocardiogram next week, and MRI the following week and numerous other clinics to see. Is this normal for Lupus??? I'm at my wits end with all this.
Tired of being tired π: I was diagnosed last... - LUPUS UK
Tired of being tired π
I'd been through the same symptoms last year, until I discovered I had a flare and it caused a pericardial effusion. The MRI and the Echocardiogram should be able to tell you what's really going on. Regardless of what's the problem it can be treated and you will feel better. So please hang on a little further! =)
Hi MarcelaS
We've got a factsheet called 'LUPUS: The Heart and Lungs' that you might be interested in reading. It has a section about how the lungs can be affected in lupus. You can find this here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Hopefully the scans will help the doctors to understand your problem a bit clearer. Please keep us up to date.
George
I have over past do many years have and am still suffering from tightness in chest.sometimes feel as if someone is sitting on it .worst is when I'm asleep and it happens sometimes. As if struggling to sleep with various pains and get some decent sleep for lupus sufferers was not enough! I have had all manner of tests in lung function unit including echocardiagram and last year also had an angiogram and all results were clear. Good luck with your tests and results.!! I have found in this world of lupus every symptom seems to be " normal" as my doc says it's the parrots disease,mimics every other illness
One of my very first symptoms/complaints was tightness in my chest, especially during workouts (cardio and resistance). It felt like I just couldn't get enough air, like my lungs were incapable of filling completely. I'd have to stop and catch my breath.
I've been on Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) since July 2014. My lungs are better and my chest doesn't feel tight anymore. It can take up to a year to feel the full benefits of plaquenil. I'm not certain when the chest tightness and shortened of breath went away but I think it was probably at least 6 months or so of being on meds.
I'm also on levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. I do believe it was plaquenil that ultimately helped my lungs but levo may have also played a role.
Are you taking any meds?