AboutRusty Ford Expertise I can answer questions about most types of arthritis and the drugs and procedures used to treat them.
Experience I manage the one of largest arthritis websites on the internet http://arthritis-symptom.com/ I have been involved with publishing artritis research for 15 years and aswering questions related to almost any type of arthitis.
Organizations Arthritis-Symptom.com
Arthritis Foundation
Expert: Rusty Ford Date: 5/14/2008 Subject: Rheumatoid Arthritis and lung problems
Question 3 1/2 yrs. ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It has been resonably controlled with Enbrel and Plaquenil. I also have had asthma and allergies since the age of 12. 1 1/2 months ago I had a respiritory infection that never really cleared up, even after antibiotics and prednisone. 2 weeks ago I came down with thrush in my throat. I have had problems breathing and speaking ever since. My allergist has put me on Diflucan and prevacid, stating that she thinks that I may be having acid reflux problems that's affecting my voice. My rheumatologist has taken me off of enbrel and has scheduled me for a CT scan of my chest which keeps being delayed due to insurance issues. Today the rheumatologist's office called me to tell me that my blood tests have shown a vitamin D deficiency. Now I am completely confused. My main symptoms have been pain in my ribcage and left shoulder blade, some dry coughing, a squeeky voice, headache, shortness of breath and fatigue. Should I be insisting on any certain tests? Is there anything I should or shouldn't be doing? I feel like there's too many doctors and nobody is really taking the time to solve this puzzle.
Answer Lori,
Sorry to take so long getting back to you.
There are two things I know of that can cause your primary symptoms that you mentioned. One is a lung problem the other is acid reflux. The drugs you have been taking can cause acid reflux so it is a good thing for your allergist to suggest taking Prevacid. If this helps then great if it does not then acid reflux is most likely not the problem.
Since you have had respiratory infection, this is most likely the culprit. Going off of the Enbrel should allow your body to heal it self. There is a possibility of some level of lung damage because of the infections. The best way to find out is for your insurance company to approve the CAT Scan. I am surprised that they are balking at this since it is not only normal to do one in this case it is necessary.
