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...
okay the day Ive been waiting for(seemed like forever) it is interstitual lung disease....they call this type, active alveolitis.hopefully Ive caught it in time to prevent pulmonary fibrosis or or chronic pneumonitis. he put me on 40 mg of steriods for 6 months and maybe if its helping he can lower me to 30.and so on..the specialist from Baylor asked my Dr if I had an auto immune disorder or took any chemo drugs. it could have been from either of those things. and they also said I have farmers lung which is usually caused from bird dropping or molded hay. ironically I have not been in the country living for many years, so maybe allergys from dust? really dont know at this point. by the way, for anyone who dont know ..mtx is a chemo drug. hoping and praying steriods help, another ct scan in one month.Dr said steriods forever if they help, maybe lower doses. thank you all so much for the prayers and support !! you might be happy to know I made an appointment with another Rheuamy..shes in the same buiding as my pulmonology Dr. so they can work together on my issues. my pulmonologist could not believe that Ive never met the Dr that Ive been writting my checks to, instead of his pa, who is still in school. and they never did a exray or cared about my coughing while continueing the mtx. anyway Ill see new Rheaumy in 2 weeks. hope shes better !! can anybody tell what to expect taking 40 mgs of steriods for sideaffects? thanks all !!! Hugs Tina
Second, I agree with aggie about your "PA" student . . .have that evaluated by the medical board!
First, Check Licensure: http://reg.tmb.state.tx.us/OnLineVerif/Phys_SearchVerif.asp
Second (if it isn't there), report: (800) 248-4062
You are lucky to have gotten this far with their negligent care!
Sounds like your Pulmonologist is a good fit and I hope your new Rheumy is too!
Most of the side effects of steroids are LONG TERM and your doc should talk to you about them. IE Osteoperosis, supplementing with cal/vitD/Mag is a very good idea. Also keep and eye on your weight - I got the late night munchies on Prednisone. Also water weight gain... if your ankles start to swell or you feel PMS bloating all the time you may need a water pill.
You should also have your blood pressure checked regularily as well as your blood sugar (4 times year with fasting test). Type 2 diabetes can often be a side effect of long term steriod use.
The rest of the potential long term issues with steroids, there is little you can do to prevent.... its a matter of weighing the seriousness of the current issue with the later issues. Sounds like you have no choice but the treat the lungs.... its not optional.