Ra intersticial lung disease
Was hoping to get some feedback on this aspect of ra.Small back story for context,have been taking methotrexate for my ra for about twelve years with limited success but really how do we know.Have stage four enphasema treatment puffers prednisone,etc.
Recent CT scan found a nodule on lung that was increasing in size over years, subsequent pet scan confirmed cancer diagnosis.While undergoing radiation therapy you have to come off injections,upon going back on injections my shortness of breath has increased to now unmanageable.
Waiting for two years to be assigned new pulmonologist have first app end of July so family doctor has been sole care provider.
Has anyone had similar issues like this and if so what was done,my family doctor tells me to stay on it but l have researched methotrexate toxicity and this seems to fit systoms.Any input would sure be appreciated thank you.
I'm going to tell you a story about what happened to me when I got cancer, lymphoma, after decades of RA. Of course this is just my own experience but it is similar. When I started chemo they said I had to come off my RA injections. I said no, hard no, because I knew it was going to result in a flare up and I was terrified it woudln't work when I went back on. So, after a few days of back and forth they actually made me sign a form that said they weren't responsible for anything that happened. Nothing happened fortunately, but my point is that you were certainly right to worry about it. I think it may be time to start thiking about findind a new rheumatologist. I know it can be hard, especially if geographic limits are an issue, but rhematology, thankfully, is one of those types of doctors where you can get local blood tests and probably find one that does telehealth. I think it may end up helping in the long run and if there's anything we can do to assist from here, let us know. Keep on keepin' on, DPM Thank you Dan you are absolutely right trying to retain a doctor here is fruitless,my gp is looking after everything and although very competent she cannot be all and know all.My rhumo doc just does phone appointments so very little use and my pulmo guy is in jail so sailing solo😷
Hi
. On top of the excellent information from , I want to note that we have a sister-site for lung cancer at https://lungcancer.net/. I don't know if anyone there also has experience with RA or autoimmune conditions in general, but it certainly may be worth a look.
In addition, I just want to note most GPs have very little experience when it comes to RA, as rheumatology is not a required rotation in most med schools. Add in the cancer and trying to manage the situation may simply be beyond their training. There are quite a number of other RA treatments out there and, as Dan said, a rheumatologist can probably help with this. Wishing you the best and please feel free to keep us posted and to ask additional questions. Richard (Team Member)Thank you Richard,it is most appreciated and l think you pretty much hit the nail on the head.
