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...

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I'm really scared

Lifeis2short
Lifeis2short
Last week I had a body scan. My primary care doc was concerned because of the amount of weight I've lost lately. Anyway I got a call this morning and the nurse said it looks like I have scarring on my right lung. I have to go in tomorrow to see my doctor. I looked it up and it could be related to inflammation from RA. Has anyone else had this? I am really freaking out. Even though I have a lot of faith in God I am pretty scared.
TWGarrett
TWGarrett
Hello Life, I don't have any experience with my lungs as of yet, but I wanted to tell you that your only human so God understands your scared. He doesn't make mistakes nor does he put more on us than we can handle,thru Him. What ever the doctor says know that He will get you thru it and we wil be here for you. Let us know what they say. Praying for you to have comfort! Hugs and prayers coming your way, Terri
deleted_user
deleted_user
First of all, You're BACK! {hugs}

I know TinaUnger is dealing with lung issues . . . I recall reading that 5% of RX patients (or patients on MTX) [some studies show up to 20%] can develop lung issues . . . .
Let us know what they find. Are they also going to screen you for an additional autoimmune diagnosis? Overlap is not uncommon.
Good luck, have faith, keep us posted . . .
Lifeis2short
Lifeis2short
Thanks! I don't know if they are going to look into other issues or not. I know my ears hurt again (inflammed from RA) and my jaw too. I have not felt this bad for a long time. My hands burning...I just got a shot of steroid/cortisone last week and it hasn't even touched me yet. My Rheumy's office called today and they said that after they hear about my lungs they want to start me again on MTX...there goes my hair. I'm saving now cause I know I'm going to need a wig. Last time I had to take that my hair came out and I don't have much to spare. I need to email Tina to see what happened to her. Thanks so much for the advice!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think I read that Rheumatoid Lung Disease is more common than previously thought. I am also pretty sure I have it. Next rheumy visit that will be the topic.

Jaws are just excruciating. Do you take mthx? It can also cause lung issues, but I think that takes a bit longer than RLD.

Hang in there, and hold onto God.