Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy, Yes, it is called rheumatoid lung. Here is a link from About Arthritis.com: http://arthritis.about.com/od/rheumatoidarthritis/a/rheumatoidlung.htm.Take care,Steph in VAFrom: kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...>Subject: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RARheumatoid Arthritis Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 9:26 PM

My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on one

of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I come

in for another x-ray in October.

I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown in

size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I suspect

that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is not

under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.

Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the lungs

as a result of RA?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone- Thanks for the information on this issue. I know its common for people with RA to contract Lupus which is RA of the Organs. I suppose given enough time it can affect the lungs as they are an organ. I will bring this up with my RD as well my next visit. Be as well as you can be. Deborah

On Wed, Nov 5, 2008 at 10:26 PM, kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...> wrote:

My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on one

of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I come

in for another x-ray in October.

I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown in

size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I suspect

that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is not

under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.

Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the lungs

as a result of RA?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Steph. When I saw my rhummy's physician assistant in

September she down played situation and said I probably just had an

infection and my body healed itself by leaving scar tissue. My PCP

seem a little more cautious and wants to keep track by doing regular

x-rays, which makes me feel better.

I really think that my body is being damaged by RA from the inside

out--anemia, chronic fatigue, mitral regurgitation, and now

rheumatoid lung.

Isn't RA fun?! Not! (sarcasm)

> From: kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...>

> Subject: Anyone having lung problems as a

result of RA

> Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 9:26 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered

a scar on one

>

> of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I

come

>

> in for another x-ray in October.

>

>

>

> I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

in

>

> size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

>

>

>

> I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

suspect

>

> that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

not

>

> under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.

>

>

>

> Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

lungs

>

> as a result of RA?

>

>

>

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

No problem, Kathy. Having RA is a blast (particularly by dynomite)

Take care,

Steph

Thanks Steph. When I saw my rhummy's physician assistant in September she down played situation and said I probably just had an infection and my body healed itself by leaving scar tissue. My PCP seem a little more cautious and wants to keep track by doing regular x-rays, which makes me feel better. I really think that my body is being damaged by RA from the inside out--anemia, chronic fatigue, mitral regurgitation, and now rheumatoid lung.Isn't RA fun?! Not! (sarcasm)> From: kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@. ..>> Subject: [rheumatoid_ arthritis] Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA> rheumatoid_arthriti sgroups (DOT) com> Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 9:26 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on one > > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I come > > in for another x-ray in October. > > > > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar

tissue has not grown in > > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.> > > > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I suspect > > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is not > > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.> > > > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the lungs > > as a result of RA?> > > > Thanks!>

[Guest guest]

I had a scar show up two years ago. Then last week when they did a

chest x-ray before starting me on Remicade, they found more nodules

in the upper left lung. They sent me to a CT scan and it showed non

calcified nodules. They have referred me to a pulmonologist for

further testing. I have no shortness of breath, no cough, no chest

pain, normal lung sounds.

I hike several times a week, very aerobic, with no respiratory

problems. My first fear was pulmonary fibrosis, since I have a

sister-in-law who has RA and is in advanced respiratory failure with

PF. But they said it almost always starts in the lower lung, not in

the top. I am a non smoker (never smoked). It is scary stuff

Sharon

>

> My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

one

> of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I

come

> in for another x-ray in October.

>

> I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

in

> size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

>

> I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

suspect

> that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

not

> under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.

>

> Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

lungs

> as a result of RA?

>

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon - I agree that lung problems are very scarey. I have RA,

osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. The biologic I use is Enbrel.

About two years ago I was having some tests done to determine the

cause of a pain in my side and the doctors discovered I had two

growths in my right lung. I also was having breathing problems. A

biopsy was done and it turned out that I had a carcinoid tumor of the

lung. The pain turned out to be a nerve pain related to disc

problems in my back. Both lung tumors were removed surgically along

with the middle lobe. I continue to be followed by the pulmonary

specialist but all has been doing fine. There was concern at first

that the tumors were related to the RA, but that was not the case. I

have never smoked either and had no other risk factors for this.

Good luck on getting your problem taken care of.

Ros

_____________________________________

>

> I had a scar show up two years ago. Then last week when they did a

> chest x-ray before starting me on Remicade, they found more nodules

> in the upper left lung. They sent me to a CT scan and it showed

non

> calcified nodules. They have referred me to a pulmonologist for

> further testing. I have no shortness of breath, no cough, no chest

> pain, normal lung sounds.

>

> I hike several times a week, very aerobic, with no respiratory

> problems. My first fear was pulmonary fibrosis, since I have a

> sister-in-law who has RA and is in advanced respiratory failure

with

> PF. But they said it almost always starts in the lower lung, not

in

> the top. I am a non smoker (never smoked). It is scary stuff

>

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

Yep , I do also some crappy stuff isn't it . never smoked either but take breathing meds daily . Also found out this month what I normally get in the fall in my eyes isn't allergies either but is the RA getting in them ( in the whites forget the name without searching for it ) but I'm sure some of you guys will know . But five days of predisone eye drops made them fill so good , too bad couldn't take them longer but within a week of stopping them it was right back . red eyes itchy blurry hard to see just like alerigies but the normal alerigy meds wont touch it .From: Sharon Wertz <sbwertz@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 11:10:02 PMSubject: Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA

I had a scar show up two years ago. Then last week when they did a

chest x-ray before starting me on Remicade, they found more nodules

in the upper left lung. They sent me to a CT scan and it showed non

calcified nodules. They have referred me to a pulmonologist for

further testing. I have no shortness of breath, no cough, no chest

pain, normal lung sounds.

I hike several times a week, very aerobic, with no respiratory

problems. My first fear was pulmonary fibrosis, since I have a

sister-in-law who has RA and is in advanced respiratory failure with

PF. But they said it almost always starts in the lower lung, not in

the top. I am a non smoker (never smoked). It is scary stuff

Sharon

>

> My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

one

> of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I

come

> in for another x-ray in October.

>

> I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

in

> size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

>

> I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

suspect

> that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

not

> under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.

>

> Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

lungs

> as a result of RA?

>

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

I have calcified nodule left lung and scar tissue in the right, Tissue Thicking in both

Cheers Mike

From: john stratton <kentuckycowboy2@...>Subject: Re: Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RARheumatoid Arthritis Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 9:35 AM

Yep , I do also some crappy stuff isn't it . never smoked either but take breathing meds daily . Also found out this month what I normally get in the fall in my eyes isn't allergies either but is the RA getting in them ( in the whites forget the name without searching for it ) but I'm sure some of you guys will know . But five days of predisone eye drops made them fill so good , too bad couldn't take them longer but within a week of stopping them it was right back . red eyes itchy blurry hard to see just like alerigies but the normal alerigy meds wont touch it .

From: Sharon Wertz <sbwertz (DOT) com>rheumatoid_arthriti sgroups (DOT) comSent: Monday, November 17, 2008 11:10:02 PMSubject: [rheumatoid_ arthritis] Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA

I had a scar show up two years ago. Then last week when they did a chest x-ray before starting me on Remicade, they found more nodules in the upper left lung. They sent me to a CT scan and it showed non calcified nodules. They have referred me to a pulmonologist for further testing. I have no shortness of breath, no cough, no chest pain, normal lung sounds.I hike several times a week, very aerobic, with no respiratory problems. My first fear was pulmonary fibrosis, since I have a sister-in-law who has RA and is in advanced respiratory failure with PF. But they said it almost always starts in the lower lung, not in the top. I am a non smoker (never smoked). It is scary stuffSharon>> My PCP did a

routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on one > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I come > in for another x-ray in October. > > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown in > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.> > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I suspect > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is not > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.> > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the lungs > as a result of RA?> > Thanks!>

[Guest guest]

I have sjogren's syndrome with the RA. Dry eyes, dry mouth, dry

lips, etc. I don't produce enough tears or enough saliva. I'm going

in next month to have plugs put in the tear ducts so that what tears

I do produce stay in the eyes.

Sharon

> >

> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

> one

> > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that

I

> come

> > in for another x-ray in October.

> >

> > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in

> > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

> >

> > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

> suspect

> > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

> not

> > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and

Prednisone.

> >

> > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

> lungs

> > as a result of RA?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much Sharon for your story. It makes me feel better

knowing I'm not alone. There's not a whole lot of information about

RA in the lungs, other than it can make nodules and scar tissue in

the lungs. To hear from someone who is living it, gives me guidance

on what to expect.

Thanks again, God bless,

Kathy

> >

> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

> one

> > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that

I

> come

> > in for another x-ray in October.

> >

> > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in

> > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

> >

> > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

> suspect

> > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

> not

> > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and

Prednisone.

> >

> > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

> lungs

> > as a result of RA?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

How strange that this was brought up during this time. I had a horrible cough a few weeks ago and the doc did a chest x ray and said it looked fine but the breathing test they did I was only at 65-70%. The chest x ray ended up coming back with a recomendation for a cat scan. He said it could possible be Rheumatoid lung. I've never heard of this until now. I work at a radiology clinic and the tech that did the ct scan said she didnt see anything. I havent checked the report yet but I'm hopeful that its nothing. It is pretty scary stuff. And I do smoke. Believe me if it comes back positive I will be sharing my fears with everyone here.

From: kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...>Subject: Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RARheumatoid Arthritis Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 8:24 PM

Thank you so much Sharon for your story. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone. There's not a whole lot of information about RA in the lungs, other than it can make nodules and scar tissue in the lungs. To hear from someone who is living it, gives me guidance on what to expect.Thanks again, God bless,Kathy> >> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on > one > > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I > come > > in for another x-ray in October. > > > > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in > > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.> > > > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I > suspect > > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is > not > > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.> > > > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the > lungs > > as a result of RA?> > > > Thanks!> >>

[Guest guest]

This syndrome means to use artificial lubricating drops, drink lots of water/gatorade. Keep a good quality chapstick around at all times. Something with shea butter. Stay away from sticks with heavy perfumes, waxes and camphor which are drying in themselves. I shower and then use palmers shea butter body lotion all over. It seals in the moisture from the water on my skin. You might think about buying sour candy as it stimulates the saliva glands. Using Biotene mouth rinse. It does help with dry mouth.

On Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 8:58 PM, Sharon Wertz <sbwertz@...> wrote:

I have sjogren's syndrome with the RA. Dry eyes, dry mouth, dry

lips, etc. I don't produce enough tears or enough saliva. I'm going

in next month to have plugs put in the tear ducts so that what tears

I do produce stay in the eyes.

Sharon

> >

> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

> one

> > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that

I

> come

> > in for another x-ray in October.

> >

> > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in

> > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

> >

> > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

> suspect

> > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

> not

> > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and

Prednisone.

> >

> > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

> lungs

> > as a result of RA?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

It can also stiffen your ribcage casing problems with breathing by not allowing the ribs to move freely but this is something different that some of us also experience and causes even more problems with breathing . From: kathy_d87 <kathy_d87@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:24:10

PMSubject: Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA

Thank you so much Sharon for your story. It makes me feel better

knowing I'm not alone. There's not a whole lot of information about

RA in the lungs, other than it can make nodules and scar tissue in

the lungs. To hear from someone who is living it, gives me guidance

on what to expect.

Thanks again, God bless,

Kathy

> >

> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

> one

> > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that

I

> come

> > in for another x-ray in October.

> >

> > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in

> > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

> >

> > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

> suspect

> > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

> not

> > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and

Prednisone.

> >

> > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

> lungs

> > as a result of RA?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry to hear you suffer from that also I first though that was a possibility while going through my dxing period but it was ruled out . I wish you the best of luck . I think the RA in the whites of the eyes is called ( Scleritis ) but there are different degrees of how bad it is mine isn't so bad it seems to only come on in the Fall but does cause me trouble seeing as well as blurry vision , red eyes , itchy and will get guuy also . From: Sharon Wertz

<sbwertz@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 7:58:56 PMSubject: Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA

I have sjogren's syndrome with the RA. Dry eyes, dry mouth, dry

lips, etc. I don't produce enough tears or enough saliva. I'm going

in next month to have plugs put in the tear ducts so that what tears

I do produce stay in the eyes.

Sharon

> >

> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on

> one

> > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that

I

> come

> > in for another x-ray in October.

> >

> > I just had it today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in

> > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.

> >

> > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I

> suspect

> > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is

> not

> > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and

Prednisone.

> >

> > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the

> lungs

> > as a result of RA?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I've also had trouble with the RA getting in my ribcage not allowing my ribs to expand and causing this trouble with breathing , so it might not be in your lungs also . a trip to the chiro helps this part . So might not be so bad good luck . From: <angelac71@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:08:10 PMSubject: Re: Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RA

How strange that this was brought up during this time. I had a horrible cough a few weeks ago and the doc did a chest x ray and said it looked fine but the breathing test they did I was only at 65-70%. The chest x ray ended up coming back with a recomendation for a cat scan. He said it could possible be Rheumatoid lung. I've never heard of this until now. I work at a radiology clinic and the tech that did the ct scan said she didnt see anything. I havent checked the report yet but I'm hopeful that its nothing. It is pretty scary stuff. And I do smoke. Believe me if it comes back positive I will be

sharing my fears with everyone here.

From: kathy_d87 <kathy_d87 (DOT) com>Subject: [rheumatoid_ arthritis] Re: Anyone having lung problems as a result of RArheumatoid_arthriti sgroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 8:24 PM

Thank you so much Sharon for your story. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone. There's not a whole lot of information about RA in the lungs, other than it can make nodules and scar tissue in the lungs. To hear from someone who is living it, gives me guidance on what to expect.Thanks again, God bless,Kathy> >> > My PCP did a routine chest x-ray in July and discovered a scar on > one > > of my lungs, he said it was a nodular density and requested that I > come > > in for another x-ray in October. > > > > I just had it

today and my PCP says the scar tissue has not grown

> in > > size but wants to do another x-ray in six months.> > > > I do not smoke and never had any chest colds/TB/pneumonia. I > suspect > > that it may be tied to my RA which I've had since 1996 and it is > not > > under control (moderate). I take Humira, Plaquenil, and Prednisone.> > > > Does anyone else have any lung problems such as scarring of the > lungs > > as a result of RA?> > > > Thanks!> >>