Hi all... am having trouble breathing; had no idea RA affects lungs, too

[Guest guest]

I've been with this group awhile, now, but... oh, I love to put my

head in the sand and pretend I don't have to deal with this, so I

haven't been reading the posts, but... things are definitely

escalating for me, so I'm... here.

Our healthcare system is just shameful. I told my dr once about an

attack I had once, a breathing problem due to exertion, and he

tossed an inhaler scrip at me, and this is how I've gone for years,

thinking all my problems were due to asthma, BUT was NEVER tested

for asthma. Have never seen a pulmonologist.

Don't think that explains the paralized left phrenic nerve they

found last year, tho, and when I asked what could've caused that,

all I got was a shrug. No clue. I was given one of those 7-day paks

of steroids, and that was that. No follow-up, never asked me about

it again. I suppose I should've asked how we knew if that had helped

or not, but...

So, now my breathing problems are much worse, so much so that my

daily inhaler has no effect, and I've gone to my emergency inhaler

as my daily. I know this isn't the way to handle it, so I'm trying

to get on with a new dr... an internist this time, vs family

practice. I can't remember the last time I saw my actual dr... just

his PA. I need to get back to the rheumatologist who originally

diagnosed me with (back then she called it) 'systemic RA'. Now, what

do they call it? polyarthritis?

I'm guessing the RA is causing the nerve problem, and who knows,

there may be nodes in there. Well, whatever the reason, I think I

need to find out. I hate the thought of an oxygen tank, but...

I was just wondering if anyone has had lung issues w/their RA, and

what treatment was offered.

** Hunca **