I have recently had a chest X-ray because of being very breathless and wheezing a lot. My GP told me that it showed I have fluid on my lungs which may mean pulmonary oedema which could be caused by heart failure. I was referred to a respiratory consultant and he said that he doesn't think there is fluid there, but that it shows scarring on my lungs and that it isn't of any importance.
I now have to wait for a CT scan of my lungs.
I wonder if anyone here has been told they have scarring on their lungs and if RA could cause that or if it could be caused by any of the medications that we take, for example methotrexate or prednisolone.
I have been told two times by different doctors, years ago, that I have scarring on my lungs as well. This was well before I was diagnosed with RA, Fibro, and AS. I have had pneumonia several times, and almost constant other lung-related problems. I believe that these diagnoses are to blame for those problems.
All so worrying for you not knowing! But good news that neither your doctor of the respiratory consultant think it is fluid due to heart failure 🙂.
Lung x-rays are notoriously difficult to read as the x-ray can’t be as precise when looking at soft stuff like your lungs. X-rays are great for hard things like bones, and can pick up things like solid tumours, but not so good on squishy lungs. So the CT scan will be much better to give you a definite answer. Hope you get an appointment soon.
RA can cause a range of lung problems, and so can the drugs. So you need the CT scan for the doc to be able to tell you more. Lung problems are also quite common so could also be nothing to do with either the RA or the drugs...do you have a history of lung problems? Or smoking?
My lungs are not brilliant, but docs think largely due to a misspent youth and previous lung disease like TB and pneumonia. So I can’t blame the RA.
Thank you for your helpful reply helix. I have never smoked but have had asthma for many years and also had a lot of chest infections after having colds. My doctor actually thought it was pulmonary oedema, it was the specialist who said it was only scarring, but a CT scan should hopefully show what is happening. I have been told I could wait about two months or even more to get the scan. The specialist was not good at explaining things and seemed quite impatient with me when I asked him to repeat himself because I am hard of hearing.
I’ve been suffering from shortness of breath for about 4 months.had tests for everything including heart scan at Harefield hospital,lung-function test,thorax scan last week, finally I’ve got the reason,blood clots on both lungs! Lots of small ones,started medication,they will dissipate naturally.a shock , but thankful they found the reason.mainly due to lack of excerise,as walking has been really tricky these last months.Apixaban,the medication will make my skin even more thin and frail.so used to bruising anyway.but,thrilled I’ve got the diagnosis,no more worrying about what it could be!
That must have been a shock to you DiHi, but at least you finally know what the problem is. I also have very thin skin and bruise at the slightest little knock. My problem could also be due to lack of exercise because I have severe degenerative disc disease and after seeing a spinal specialist I have been told that there is nothing more that can be done for me. I am also waiting for two knee replacements but can't go ahead with them (or even go on the waiting list) yet because I have cellulitis and an ulcer on my leg which just doesn't seem to want to clear up. Because of all that, I can't walk more than a few yards and I can't stand for more than about a minute.
Thank you for writing in reply to my question DiHi and I hope you eventually find that you are improving.
Try not to worry as hh has said. A CT scan will bring clarity to the situation.Yes I had some residual scarring after a bout of pneumonia when I was 21 which I lived with for years with no problems at all.
Then came RA and either it or MTX and Benepali resulted in several bad chest infections and more lung problems with breathlessness like you. A bronchoscopy showed a partially collapsed lung so I was taken off my RA meds and given oral steroids and steroid injections till it improved. It did improve and I started a new RA treatment which is working well.
I hope your doctors will soon find out what’s been happening and help you get better.
I do have scarring on my lungs and did think it was my lupus. And breathing problems. Turned out it was caused by me keeping cockatiels in my Aviary. Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Sorry can't help you.
I was asked by the consultant if I have any pets or birds or have been a smoker or been anywhere where there was asbestos and I answered no to all of these, so it is still a puzzle at present. I am sorry to hear abut your scarring on your lungs, has it got worse over time?
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Update on appointment with rheumy on Tuesday this week
Bulge on knee
More news on my lungs..........
Rash on palms of hands
Update on accident. 
