Hello, I have complained previously about a deep cough, sometimes productive/sometimes not, and chest heaviness. My rheumatologist ordered a CT scan and found infiltrates, opacities, and cylindrical bronchiectasis. Looks like I have a nontuberculous mycobacterial infection.
I plan on asking my rheumatologist about antibiotics and whether I should stay on methotrexate. I remember PMRPro saying methotrexate may cause lung damage. I’m wondering how lung infections are treated if taking an immune suppressant like prednisone?
I’m also having difficulty tapering down from 30 mg of prednisone. I tapered to 27.5 mg and went back up to 30mg 17 days later due to ache on the right side temple to back of my ear. Rheumatologist wants me to try the taper again, but I’m a bit fearful Rheumatologist also suggested a pet scan to see where the inflammation is coming from.
If anyone has thoughts, advice, experiences, please pass them along! All will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for being there.