Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Well, I finally have had enough. Yesterday and today I have had trouble taking a deep breath. My body felt like I needed to take a deep breath, but when I tried, I just couldn't satisfy my body. Very uncomfortable and having a heavy feeling on my chest. Broke down and went to my PCP. He wasn't available so I saw his PA. Thankfully, she has been with him long enough to take the time to find out what is going on. She checked me out physically and I am going for a chest x-ray and a pulmonary test soon. My blood pressure was higher than it ever has been so she is concerned about that and I have to keep a diary of my blood pressure for 2 weeks. She gave me a prescription of Zolof(?) to help with the anxiety and/or depression. I go back next month for my regular check up. I have been diagnosed with Sjogrens, Rosacea within the last 4 months. Also in that time, I have had a pre-melanoma mole removed and have been diagnosed with Costochrondritis, which is inflammation of the ribs. So I am overwhelmed and I hope this helps. Sorry to go on and on but I just want to be able to breathe without problems. Hope everyone has a good evening. She even checked to see if Orencia had any side effects that would cause this problem.
One thing that interested me - you said you had a heavy feeling on your chest. My rheumy asks me at every appointment is I have had a heavy feeling on my chest. I really believe that she would act very quickly if the answer to that question was yes. Sally gave great advice - please follow up with your doctor and keep us posted.
I know that RA can cause heart and lung problems. Be proactive on this and force your doctor too also.
Take care. Hope they find the issue quickly and get you some help.
Hugs,
Linda
My symptoms were different than yours but it was anxiety and it affected (and still affects) my bp. I can easily do 170/100 in the presence of the doctor's staff.
Great job of going in to get this addressed! I don't see how the Zoloft will help that fast and wish you had gotten something that acts quicker but hopefully it will help sooner than later.
this sucks for you.
My bout of chostochondritis 7 years ago lasted a long time.
it was painful and breathing shallow like was a compensation for the pain in my rib cage area.
are you taking anti inflammatories (if you are able)?
and when they had you in there were O sats norma? what were they?
chostochondritis can make you feel like you want heat around your ribs at least it helped for me
feel better
Depot
Wendy
how was your oxygen when they took it on your finger? what was the number?
Depot