RA and lung issues

[Zeke-17]

Do any if you who have RA have any lung issues as well? I had lung function tests done in November of last year and they were normal. Along with muscle weakness and fatigue I have shortness of breath with exertion. I have had these symptoms for over a year now. And some symptoms are worse than they were months ago. I can't even do much around the house without this symptoms happening. I also CANNOT TAKE THE HEAT!! That makes me extremely weak in a matter of seconds to minutes. Have any of you experienced this?

[Tinkerbell5]

I have asthma and have noticed the same with my chest

[Hidden]

Have you had a chest X-ray or scan?

[Zeke-17 in reply to Hidden]

I had a chest xray in November as well. But they said it was normal.

[mary65]

I was diagnosed with early Pulmonary Fibrosis in February this year. I had been coughing and feeling more and more breathless.Methotrexate was stopped immediately. I had a scan and breathing tests to get this diagnosis. Xrays do not show all lung disease. Perhaps you should request a CT scan.Good luck.

[Zeke-17 in reply to mary65]

Yeah, i was diagnosed with RA in 2012. I too was on methotrexate and in 2014 got real sick and was put in the hospital with double pneumonia and then after I got home I got bronchitis so my doctor took me off my methotrexate as well. What confused me about this was I couldn't believe my lung function tests were normal I thought how can that be? This shortness of breath can't be normal?

[helixhelix]

Have you had your heart checked? I have shortness of breath although with normal lung function and it's because I have heart problems. Surprised me as have always had dodgy lungs (TB, pneumonia, ex-smoker etc) but they are fine and it's my heart that's the cause.

And presumably you've had your blood pressure checked a few times over last year? As can also be a symptom of high blood pressure.

[Zeke-17 in reply to helixhelix]

Yeah, i had a nuclear stress test done a few months ago.And the cardiologist said it was normal and that he didn't think it was my heart, he said he thought it was my lungs. It just gets on my nerves that they can't find out what is wrong with me. I do take blood pressure medicine that keepsmy blood pressure under control and I also take medicine for my heart rate it is irregular and without the medicine my heart rate goes higher than it should be.

[helixhelix in reply to Zeke-17]

Well that's good that heart's ok.

Another thing to think about is whether you have reduced the amount of aerobic exercise you do? Where heart & lung function are concerned it's use it or lose it... Even for people with lung diseases exercise can bring remarkable benefits.

[Zeke-17 in reply to helixhelix]

What is strange to me is that a few years ago they did an utrasound on my heart. The one that did it at the hospital evidently but on the report that i had bicuspid aortic valve .so i go see as cardiologist and he had his tech in his office to do another ultrasound of my heart. She looked at it and said I see 3 valves so you don't have bicuspid aortic valve. I was and is confused about this. How can one at the hospital say I have that and one says I don't have that? It is so confusing. Thank you for replying to my post.

[Sophie17]

I too have lung issues, in my case I have rheumatoid fibrosis and mild asthma. I have a lung function test every six months. I was also on methotrexate to start with but had to come of off it it made my breathing bad am now on leflumide and 5mgs of prednisone. Hope get sorted soon, best wishes sophie17

[nomoreheels]

Do you have any pain on breathing, maybe unconfirmed costochondritis or even back pain? If so that could mean you're only partially using your lung capacity, you're not using your whole lung to breathe & you could be mistakenly thinking you're short of breath because, subconsciously, you're bothered about if you do so causing pain.

Heat affects me more than it used to pre RD. I used to live in a sunny country & mid summer became more & more difficult, particularly the hot nights where it didn't dip below 28°.

[Zeke-17 in reply to nomoreheels]

I don't have pain while breathing. Just shortness of breath with exertion. And muscle weakness and body weakness and farigue . Take today for instance, all I did was move 2 boxes to the floor and scooted a box from one room to the other got papers out of the box to look at and put them back in the box and I almost could have cried because my muscles in my arms and legs were extremely weak and when they get like that i feel so bad. It's like there is no strength in my body. And speaking of the heat, i even feel weak when I'm in the shower ii am woobly so you know i cant take the heat outside. I am sorry you are having a hard time too. The PA I saw last week mentioned costochondritis but only because I have some tenderness when I mash on the area of my left side beside of my left breast. So I'm not sure why it is there unless it is costochondritis. i have so many things wrong with me some we know what is wrong and some we don't. Thank you for responding to my post.

[Rosebaywillowherb]

Hi Zeki,I developed bronchiestasis several years ago,they think methotrexate and several new drugs caused it.It was under control for a long time, but several bouts of pneumonia damaged my lungs and now use oxygen as can't breathe very well.A cat scan will show any damage to your lungs,I wish you well and hope it gets sorted out.x

[Hidden]

Well, I have had asthma for the last 30 years, so yes, sort of. But I was actually responding more to your comments about the heat. I have the same issue. And sweating... sheesh. I can sit in a cool room, perfectly still and start sweating... It's embarrassing and frustrating... It will make you feel tired and weak. I can't offer much but validation unfortunately. I haven't found a way around any of it yet =)

[astrajewel]

hi zeke i have just had to stop hydroxychloroquine with a severe lung infection breathlessness and difficulty in breathing and severe pain and burning in both my legs, now since stopping the meds the pain in my lungs and soreness around the area and leg pain have disappeared so waiting on appt for ruematology 3rd load of tablets with different side affects, getting worried now what else they will give me and what the next side affects will be x

[Lou_Miss1]

Hello Zeke-17

I have ra in the ear. It also effects my throat, feels like I have sinus drainage, It is very annoying. I have my bad days and good days with it. It has not effected my lungs yet.

Hope it will not get to that point. It does effect my jaw error and makes my teeth feel like they are pulling. Very weird feelings. Hope you feel better.

[GranAmie]

YEP! 6 months MTX led to 25% loss of lung function. meds w/drawn led to pain n wheelchair. BUT after 6month delay i got Sulfa, then went to half dose [haven't told them yet] back to swimming and singing recovered 20% of lost function! Ta da! xox

[Hobbledehoy]

I am 70 yrs of age and have longstanding COPD with slight asthma, with only 50-odd% lung capacity, but manage pretty well on the whole. I do try to take care of myself, with sensible food & at least moderate exercise. My surgery has chest clinics, I am well supported between them & my doctors, have two different maintenance inhalers & a reliever. Autumn through winter are my danger times, usually have 1 or even 2 chest infections, have back-up antibiotics ready for need. Have only been on RA treatment for less than 3months, no complications so far. I detest the heat too, take evasive action and dress carefully if obliged to be out in it, incl. sunglasses & sunhat. Only exert myself with caution. If you haven't done so already, I think that you need to report your issues and have them investigated & treated. Use the chest resources & RA nurses available. Good luck Zeke.

[Hobbledehoy]

P.S. Zeke - and to anyone, really: I had to learn the confidence to Talk to our medics, ask anything you need to, even if you repeat yourself. I often say "To re-cap, is it correct that..." and "Please clarify about what you said..." We musn't be afraid to say that we don't understand something, or that we're afraid of something. We should help them to help us, as far as possible, by taking responsibility for our own bodies. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[Zeke-17 in reply to Hobbledehoy]

Thank you for your post. I will let you know what happens.