Stupid Dr

[Llinos]

Am in a relapse phase with my Wegeners. Had Rituximab infusion x2 Jan and Feb and am currently on pred 20 mg. Currently in hospital with acute shortness of breath. Dr s thought it was a blod clot but CT clear. Dr came around last night to tell me this but then said there's something wrong there but I have to wait for the Resp Dr's to see me today. Haven't slept all night and all sorts of horror scenarios going through my head. Why tell me this!!! SOB worse today through anxiety.

[LynneJ Vasculitis UK Volunteer]

Hi

I had 2 infusions of rituximab for MPA in February. I also suffered with breathing problems after each one. I told the rheumatology consultant and she said she hadn't heard of it before. Still waiting for my appointment with chest consultant, I had one and it got cancelled! So when I eventually get to see him I will mention it again. I wonder if anyone else has had this experience?

On the plus side I think it is working now. Bloods are better than they have been for a year and ANCA levels dropped. Still fatigued but that will improve, I hope.

You are right about anxiety causing shortness of breath. I have every sympathy with that. I am not sure about this modern way of keeping the patients informed sometimes with me ignorance is bliss until they are sure.

Try to relax

Take care

Lynne

[Llinos in reply to LynneJ]

Saw a Resp Registrar earlier. Rituximab not keeping flare up in check, Ground glass legions noted all over my lungs so , Pred increased and to see my consultant asap for possible oral meds. Gutted as I'd heard such good things about this infusion. Just been discharged home x

[LynneJ Vasculitis UK Volunteer in reply to Llinos]

Sorry to hear that. I guess it doesn't work for everyone although might still kick in later. Hope you get treatment that works soon. x

[chaddy1]

I had my 3rd rituximab infusion a couple of weeks ago and had a reaction, burning in throat and breathing problems so it was stopped, I had a cold for a couple of weeks before so I did cancel the infusion but went ahead after bloods came back ok, however, I still felt chesty that morning when I arrived at hospital and the Nurse ordered a chest x-ray, it came back o.k or so I was told that is why the infusion went ahead and within 15mins I had the reaction. I was sent home and a couple of days later the hospital rang me to say there was something showing on the x-ray, and I needed to go back to do a Spit test and pick up a prescription for antibiotics as it looks as though I had a chest infection and the infusion should never had gone ahead. .I've just finished a week of antibiotics and saw a consultant yesterday who injected my wrist and hand as I couldn't cope with pain any longer, he said I need another chest x-ray in couple of weeks to double check the infection has gone and there is nothing more sinister, I like you and worried sick with anxiety and am still feeling short of breath, I'm still not feeling too well with a sore throat, I've had sleepless nights as I'm not sure I can wait 2 wks for another chest x-ray I need to know now if something is wrong, I wish I never had gone in that day, I should have gone with my gut and cancelled infusion! I hope you feel better soon, let me know how you get on