MCTD Support Group

I have not had the heart tests done but do have shortness of breath and some lung scarring. hugs

I have had one PFT (normal) and am scheduled for another one due to wheezing in the evenings. Lung problems are common with MCTD from what I have read. As for heart problems- I was recently in the hospital and had a left heart cath. A little different from what you are having as they go through a vein for yours and an artery for mine. I have had an echo for low pumping of my heart. About a 25% reduction in strength. Dont know why. I also have problems with tachycardia for short periods. And some irregularity. Still having tests done. Good luck!
Mary Ann

Also, pulmonary hypertension is a big problem with MCTD.
Mary Ann

Hello Katie,

I've had many studies done on my heart because of various symptoms, including transient tachycardia, that are associated with PPHN and/or congestive heart failure. It's a little puzzling about the right sided heart cath for an accurate pressure reading. Don't know about that or heard about caths for pressure reading but I'm not a doctor let alone a cardiologist. I've been lucky so far...a little RnR and my cardiac symptoms disappear. However, a strick diet and staying compliant with meds help. Have difficulties breathing and I will wheeze a lot when having flares. Heat's seems to bring on some of these symptoms. The wheezing is often interpreted as SOB (shortness of breath).

When ever I don't understand why my rheumy orders a test or I'm insecure about going through the procedure I always asks. Sometimes this results in cancelling the test and looking at the symptom a different way. But I do not fully understand your situation or history so what I advise is talk with the doctor who ordered the test or get a second opinion from another doc.

Hope your symptoms resolve whatever the treatment. Hugs!

CrisD

Hey

I did have the right heart cath done and the pressure was a 32, which is still high.. I saw my Rhumy yesterday and after the increased pressure reading, decreased lung function and x-ray of chest.. They are thinking PAH- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension... They are going to see if they can get me approved for the durg Tracleer, which is a vasodilator.. They are wanting to see if this drug will help my raynoud's and lower the pressure in my heart, so it will not have to work as hard and help with my lungs... Kind of scary, but i am trusting God, he knows what my plan is..

Katie

So sorry to hear about the test results. Hope the meds make you feel better and up your endurance. I am glad you are upbeat about it. Let us know how things go!
Mary Ann

HI I AM NEW TO THIS SITE AND TO MCTD, I GO NEXT WEEK TO THE DRS AGAIN SO HE CAN TELL ME WHAT WE WILL DO THAT IVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH MCTD SO ANYONE THAT KNOWS MORE THEN ME I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO. IVE SMOKED FOR YEARS AND NOW FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE A DRY COUGH THAT MAKES IT HARD TO DO ANYTHING

I hope that med gets approved for you. Welcome sickandtired. I smoke too and its a no no for us but can't quit so far. I have a cough too but not a dry cough. hugs marilyn

hi, I have had pft's every year now since '02. my lung volume is decreaseing, I have sob,. and scarring. my heart echo and stress test just this april showed a left ventricle conduction delay. I also have arrythmias. was evaluated for pace maker in '08, but my pain issues are too great to tolerate having the thing in my body. so I am not a good candidate. I live with the issue. er visits are frequent for chest pains, sob, and tachy. hope this helps. hang in there.

i was diagnosed a couple months ago with mctd, mine started out with lung issues, shortness of breath and coughing. sent me for pft first which I failed. I have about half my regular lung capacity. That started all the other tests and trips to specialists and the diagnosis. I am currently on 8 different meds to try and find the right balnce for the joint pain and the lung issue. I hope everything works out for you, keep me updated.
Beth