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...
I was sent to a lung doctor for a chronic cough (over 1 year) and shortness of breath on exertion. He did the pulse oximeter test (I didn't go below 91 after five minutes of walking), and a "breathing test." I passed that. He wants to do a high resolution CT of my chest, but I am very concerned because I just had a chest x-ray a month ago (no findings) and my sister died of breast cancer two years ago, so I don't want a bunch of radiation if it's not a matter of life and death.
The doc said he was looking for pulmonary fibrosis, although he added that he didn't expect to find it. I asked what he would do if he did find it and he said he would talk to my RA doc about changing my meds. hmmm
I don't want to be stupid - by refusing the CT or by having it done! I did postpone it for now until I feel I can make a more informed decision. I will see my RA doc next week to ask him about the relationship between RA and pulmonary fibrosis.
Any input/advice on any of this would be greatly appreciated.
The doc said he was looking for pulmonary fibrosis, although he added that he didn't expect to find it. I asked what he would do if he did find it and he said he would talk to my RA doc about changing my meds. hmmm
I don't want to be stupid - by refusing the CT or by having it done! I did postpone it for now until I feel I can make a more informed decision. I will see my RA doc next week to ask him about the relationship between RA and pulmonary fibrosis.
Any input/advice on any of this would be greatly appreciated.
maybe they are looking for Interstitial Lung Disease,? maybe they are ruling out a blood clot? maybe they are looking for a small tumor? i don't think any of these things can necessarily be seen on a chest x ray.
the pulmonologist is just digging to get you to a better breathing place.
she will probably have more breathing tests also. some of them are long and complicated taking up to an hour or two. (the lung function studies) be patient so you can get to the bottom of a year long cough and O sats that are not ideal for a 5 minute walk.
Most people are okay until they get to 90% and below and then they exhibit symptoms of respiratory distress and need oxygen.
i think digging for the answer is the answer.
hugs and better breathing from a compatriot
Ros
As much as I hate the radiation thought, I want them (the docs) to have all the info possible to help me later down the line when push comes to shove as it surely will.
Best to bite the bullet and go for the gusto.
Be calm and have faith
Bluedogs2
I had the lisinopril cough! Mine started about 3 months in, but it was about two weeks after I increased the dose. I always have to start with half the smallest dose.
one ct scan does not cause cancer. a bucketful of ct scans could conceivably contribute to cancer, but it's different for everyone. you could have a ton of scans and X-rays and never develop breast cancer.
sometimes we have to take scary steps to address problems. you know your lung problem exists - you don't know how ct radiation will affect your personal chances of developing a cancer.
i'm sorry about your sister. losing someone to cancer sucks and really makes you reevaluate some choices in your life. i don't blame you for being nervous - but lung function is important. the drugs we take for rd can contribute to lung issues, rd itself can cause lung issues. it's important to sort that out, even with some risk (imho)