When I had the throat nodule, I could not speak for 6 weeks - at all. I did a lot of research on this, because I thought it might be the cause of my problem. Postmortem autopsies show up to 80% involvement of this joint. My rheumie knew exactly where they were, and he said mine were not swollen.

But don't discount the fact it could be a nodule. That is what mine turned out to be. My cousin also had an RA nodule on her vocal folds, and she couldn't breath and went to the ER. It was so bad her throat closed up and she died from hypoxia. They were able to revive her, but now she has a permanent trache. So please see your doc to rule out the CA joints or not, and if it gets bad - got the the ER, and tell them you have RA and can't breathe. Go to the front dsk- or better yet, have someone take you. It can be very serious.

I have that happen to me in the middle of the night it is simply dredful but I don't know if it is due to sleep apnea or RA or a combo of the 2. Erica

I am sorry but I have never experienced that. what a bummer!

Hi Kim, I am still in the process of getting a dx. I have all the symptom of lupus and RA and then some. I tested positive for ankylosing spondylitis so thats what my doc stuck with. I think theres more going on but she doesnt really listen when i try to tell her. I do however have a appt. with a diffrent rhumy next month. Anyways, I do have alot of the crazy symptoms with my throat like that. I get the feeling like a big pill is stuck in my throat and my voice gets really horse and raspy. It comes and goes all the time. I have a appt. with another rhumy thats a friend of a friend so hopefully he will take me serious and help me get a proper dx. i will ask him about this stuff too and get back with you. Also, I was wondering if you had a positive RA in your blood test that lead you to your dx. Anyways, My prayers are with you. -Kim

Thanks Kim..ive had this happen on and off as well..but didnt know there was such a thing..it was a light bulb moment when i heard of it..lol..Angela thats really scary what happend to your cousin..ive never had my breathing affected but its good info to know...thanks everyone

Kim

Another thing that happens to me every day is I choke on nothing. Sometimes to the point of almost throwing up. I can be in the middle of a full conversation and I have to excuse myself because I just suddenly start to choke. Like something just flew down the wrong windpipe. And when I eat anything it is hard for me to swallow. I have to have alot of drink with my meals because every bite is hard to get down. Anyways, i just wanted to share this with you. Have a good night. -Kim