Is it normal to be sent for chest xray and breathing test after being diagnosed with RA ?

[trish1957]

[allanah]

Yes Trisha it can be.

This is usually if they are thinking of using Dmards or biological drugs. They need to make sure that you do not have any infection or TB before and during treatments as occasionally TB doesn't cause problems and u don't know you have it. The breathing test are for the same reasons to make sure you don't have chest conditions that would be made worse by RA treatment drugs. So it just keeps you safe.

It actually happened to my friend she was about to start treatment nd they found out she was a TB carrier, she had no symptoms at all! So she had TB drugs before the treatment n when it was clear she started her R A drugs and has been in remission and full time work ever since!

[Hidden]

i think so trish, nearly sure i had a chest xray and an ecg i think its to make sure that you can go on the drugs asap and to know what can or not be used to help.

[Hidden]

Hi, I had a chest X ray before I started Methotrexate. MTX can (rarely) cause lung problems.

I think it is just part of the routine checks we have to go through.

[earthwitch]

Its not unusual, thats for sure. Does sound like they might be considering you for anti-tnf drugs (biologics) though, as they need to be sure you aren't carrying latent Tb that might flare up on some of the meds.

[trish1957]

Thanks to everyone for your replies they have been very helpful. Im just feeling a bit lost with all this at the moment with so many things happening at once. Im on medication now and havent really got a clue what its for !

Thanks again.

[selina in reply to trish1957]

I think we can all relate to that feeling at some time on our journey with this disease. Perhaps make a list of questions you need to ask at your next appointment? Good luck x

[marmaduke]

Hi Trish

I was diagnosed last year and at my first rheumatologist appointment was given a chest xray. I was copied in on the rheumy's letter to my GP and the rheumy nurse regarding treatment, and the letter said that the Xray showed "nothing to preclude methotrexate", so as that is usually the first drug of choice, which can (rarely) affect your lungs, they obviously need to make sure your lungs are OK before you start. I was put on MTX (and Hydroxy) and am improving. Good Luck. Helen x

[rattusrattus]

i had to go for a chest x-ray and a breathing test too where i had to breath into a tube attatched to a machine. a lung function test i think it was called.

like its already been said it's to check the condition of your lungs just in case there's a problem so they can stop or reduce the dose of any meds you're on,

it's so overwhelming at first - i think most of last year is a blur for me! i must have went to hospital more times last year than i have in my whole life for tests and blood tests and more test and more blood tests..

i hope your xray goes well and you can start your meds.

[tilstongal]

Hi Trish,

I think that it is normal before being prescribed quite a few drugs not just RA drugs. I am pretty sure it is to rule out any other problems. Certainly I had to have on before RA treatment and my mother who was prescribed dementia drugs also had one. I think it is absolutely nothing to be alarmed about just a normal ticking of a box.

Good luck with your treatment.

Lorna