Cant catch my breath

Since the weekend Ive not been able to catch my breath, even while relaxing im yawning to get my breath but not catching it

Could it be the meds- I leflunomide, hydroxy?

[helixhelix]

That doesn't sound too good....breathing problems are one of the things that get me down to the doctors. Our meds can affect lungs, so better to check it out? Pollyx

[earthwitch]

Pulmonary fibrosis can be a side effect of the meds, so yes, I'd get down to the doctor and specifically ask if your yawning and not feeling you are getting enough air could be caused by the meds.

Can also be heart problems (doc might want to listen to your heart and check pulse and blood pressure for that), or thyroid, or a whole lot of other things. But the meds side effect would be the most serious thing potentially, so that would be the thing I would concentrate on asking about.

I'd try and get a fairly quick appointment, because if it is the meds, then you might need to stop or reduce them to avoid further problems. When you phone for an appointment just say you think you are having a reaction to them (and name them), and if the receptionist isn't helpful, ask to speak to a nurse or get them to check with the doctor how urgent it is. If you have a rheumy nurse then thats another option.

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi Reikimaster

As the others have suggested it would be worth speaking to your GP or rheumatology team about this, especially if you are concerned.

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS

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Thanks for your replies, I have been to the GPs who sent me for bloods today- tomorrow I have to have a spiro thingy test???? Ive informend my RA nurse who phoned me back the same day (unusual)- she asked all the questions- have I had a cold,do I feel unwell, she said I can come off Leflunomide so that is what Ive done.

My GP told me yesterday that the leflunomide can cause hardening of the lung membraine which causes breathing problems, so Im rather alarmed that the RA team did not inform me of this before I started taking it-

It should say this in the patient info sheet- im very annoyed that the drugs treat one problem but cause a multitude of other health problems.