Happy Sunday x

[MaryTH]

Hi everyone, hope you are not in too much pain. I have been having a really tough time since just after Christmas when I went down with a chest infection. I had asthma as a child and then nothing til about 5 years ago which was when the RA was diagnosed. This was followed by an infected place on my leg, I then had an infection in a tooth which was followed by another chest infection which is taking an age to clear. I have had loads of antibiotics and I am still on 30mg of prednisone. I was prescribed Benepali end of November but have only managed 5 injections. RA Nurse has advised I leave them off until I have had a CT scan on my chest. Both RA Nurse and GP think the chest problems are to do with the Rheumatoid. Anyone had these problems and could give advice would be appreciated.

xx Mary

[Jules13]

I haven’t had anything similar but I do suffer from asthma and have had years of colds turning into chest infections. So I’ve been paranoid about the RA making it worse.

I’ve been trying to avoid crowded places, kids, germs, and I wash my hands after I’ve been out in public. But once you’ve got it you’ve got it and I’m so sorry you have. I wish you all the best. Xxx

[MaryTH in reply to Jules13]

It's bad enough dealing with one thing but tough when you have multiple things going on.

Mary xx

[Matilda_1922]

Hi Mary

I have asthma diagnosed in 2002.

In October 3016 I had a productive cough which lasted a few months. Went to GP 3-4 weeks in said my chest was clear and there was a virus about that was lingering. This cough continued on and off for the next year. Went to see GP end of July who heard me cough and gave me a 5 day course of antibiotics and also asked for a chest X-ray. Another GP reviewed this X-ray and saw some inflamed lymph and asked to do a sputum specimen. This came back showing a bacterial growth. (My lungs appeared cleared through out the time)

This GP gave two lots of antibiotics after these cough was slightly better.

The Rhuematologist asked me to have another sputum test in September. This again showed a bacterial infection. Given another antibiotic which helped the cough.

Following a lung function test and chest CT in December i was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis by a respiratory specialist.

They gave me a rescue pack and specimen bottles which I need to do before I start the rescue antibiotic.

I started Benepali in November but 25mg weekly as they were waiting for my result regarding my chest.

Reviewed last week and to increase Benepali twice weekly.

The last few days I’ve had a productive cough mainly at night keeping me awake.

My catarrh up to today was clear now it’s green.

Sorry it’s so long winded but is my story.

Hope they find out what what is causing your chest infection.

I just persevered over the year to find what is causing my cough and feel better soon.

By the way I had a Chest X-ray for Rheumatology team the same week I had one for GP and their one showed no abnormally.

Matilda x

[MaryTH in reply to Matilda_1922]

Thank you, sorry you've been through the mill. I didn't realise how many parts of the body this RA affects.

Mary xx

[Hidden]

A few years after being diagnosed with RA, I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. My son's partner also has RA and Bronchiectasis. Originally my GP told me I had Asthma, but after several chest infections I was referred to a chest consultant who sent me for a CT scan, which showed up Bronchiectasis.Things got worse when I started to grow Pseudomonas in my lungs. It took 14 days in hospital on IV antibiotics. Then 3 months at home on nebulized antibiotics. I still occasionally grow Pseudomonas. It never really goes away.

[MaryTH]

Oh bless you. Thank you for your reply. I am trying not to think too much about it until we have the results of the X-ray and then CT scan.

Mary xx