COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
It has been two months since I have been on here. The last time I posted my Pulmonologist thought I had Lupus and not emphysema. He referred me to a nephrologist who kinda acted like I was crazy, she did some blood work and told me to come back in 3 months. A week later I get a call and they need me to come back in. My blood work strongly indicated that I do have Lupus, which they think is causing my breathing problems. She ordered an ultrasound and biopsy of my kidney to see if it is affecting my kidneys as well since I have had unexplained blood and protein in my urine for years. My IgA is also elevated suggesting IgA neuropathy aka Berger's disease. So on top of the lung issues and extreme muscle fatigue, I now have worsening kidney disease. Basically the Lupus has scarred my lungs and kidneys. I go back this Thursday to the nephrologist and next month to the Rheumatologist. It feels like I have spent my entire summer at the doctors office.
I did get to spend a week at the beach with my family and my grandson! The fatigue and joint pain and SOB was a pain in the butt, but it was nice to get away.
I may not have been on here in awhile, but I still thought about you all!
I did get to spend a week at the beach with my family and my grandson! The fatigue and joint pain and SOB was a pain in the butt, but it was nice to get away.
I may not have been on here in awhile, but I still thought about you all!
I know I have a bunch of gallstones that showed up in a recent MRI scan and the doc warned that they will cause problems one day, so perhaps that day has come quicker than expected. Some days I swear there's a couple of pitbulls doing battle under my ribcage.
Have a blast at the beach - I'm soooo jealous. I'd love to stow away in your luggage. See ya soon, all sun-kissed and glowing.
Leonie xx
Hugs,
J
When I went to an ILD (Interstitial lung disease) specialist pulm in march, she did bloodwork for IgA, Rhumatoid arth. & all of those things you mention due to the scarring (pulm fibrosis PF) that I have in my lungs.....I had no idea that so many things can affect our lungs!
I'm sorry you have had to go thru all this, but I do hope that it helps you get the correct treatment.
I'm glad that you got a reprieve from dr's to go to the beach...are you on supplemental 02 or is there any treatments (inhalers or anything) that can help you breath better?
My thoughts and prayers are with you ((((HUGS))))
I'm 'sposed to be responding to Rosalee who has a whole raft of problems including a pain in the butt : ). Sincerely sorry you have so much to deal with. We care and hope you stay in touch. You'll get sympathy in here for sure.