I have Scleroderma with secondary Raynauds, GERD, pulmonary fibrosis, and PAH.

[lakemon]

I had an open lung biopsy two years ago and still have alot of pain. I experience pain under the left breast, up the left back, and around the body from the site of the incision. I have taken meds for this but they really don't help all that much. Any one have the problem with pain from the biopsy and have found anything that can help. Thanks,

[Jeri]

I must be your twin..do not have Scleroderma...but have everything else you mention plus Planter Fascitis, Osteoporous and mixed connective tissue disease. I had an Open Lung Biopsy April 2012. Came back as Interstitial Lung Disease specifically Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis. My ribs ache sometimes where they were spread, but mainly annoying pain in neck and especially upper left shoulder region. I have hydrocodone and I decide when to take. Biggest complaint, cough constantly and have trouble swallowing. Heat helps neck and the c shaped travel pillow helps when sitting.

[lakemon]

We sure do sound like twins. the constant cough I have (dry) is my Scleroderma. I was diagnosed with ILS and UIP after the Lung Biopsy also. I also have pain in the neck and left shouder but most severe pain is under the incision. I am going to try a pain doctor now, I have been dealing with this pain since April 2011. If I could control the pain I would feel so much better. I do have hydrocodone but it just knocks me out. The mixed connective tissue disease in my case is part of Scleroderma.

[VanessaJoanne]

Constant cough is indeed a Scleroderma problem. It is usually associated with badly controlled GERD. It should not be left and anyone who has it needs to up their acid control medication (PPI) as untreated it can become pre cancerous.

Do not just "live with" constant cough. It should set alarm bells ringing.

[VanessaJoanne]

Jeri. Trouble swallowing is also a scleroderma symptom.

[ffrasure]

I am going to see a pulmonary specialist in a week for diminished lung capacity from a Pulmonary function test and was wondering if I should expect to be sent for a biopsy?

[lakemon]

Have you been told that you have pulmonary fibrosis? Question your doctor on the possibility of you having scleroderma. That can be done in several ways. Mine was done with a simple blood test : an ANA (anti nulclear antibodies). I would not have a biopsy until everything else is checked out. My lung biopsy (it was an open biopsy and I and many other have alot of problems after the test). Quiz the specialist and make sure he is understand scleroderma COMPLETELY. Good luck next week. I have found that you must ask questions and push for results. Make sure and keep us informed. This site can be alot of help. Jane