I am sad that my rd informed me that I have mild COPD. (emphysema) He said that it would normally not be a concern but because I have ra and ra effects the lungs, he is concerned about it. He also said he was concerned because it puts me more at risk of infection and I am going on biologics. I never was a regular smoker- I smoked while studying in college (thought it helped me concentrate
I hope that any of you out there that are smoking are listening. My rd is concerned with my MILD COPD. If you have ra, you really should not smoke at all. I never thought I was doing damage, as little as I smoked. Now I am so angry with myself.
.I smoked some while a teen and smoke some other illegal stuff then too
I can't believe after all this time not smoking you would get this.How do they treat this? BTW, did you get a shot at the dr.'s office?How did that go?
Sheila Roxy, sorry!. My story is just like sheila's. Have you had x-rays before that didn't show this? Is it possible it's been there for years? Mike Roxy~I'm real sorry to hear about this. I've been trying my hardest over the last two years to break a habit that is extrememly haulting. I have family that is very affected by smoking related disease; so I know first hand the devestation it can cause. Roxy, I'd like to point out that emphysema although most commonly associated with smokers and second hand smoke can strike people who have never once smoked. I hope you aren't blaming yourself for things that happended years ago that may or may not be related. It's good that they are now aware of this and will take steps to control it; I hope. What is the progression of this? What happends now? Will you not be able to take MTX & other biolgics? What else did they find out at the doctor yesterday? Lovie I see a pulmonologist in October. Here is a scarey story. I use to work for CVS.A man pulled up in the drive thru to pick up his meds.He had tubes up his nose breathing oxygen and smoking at the same time.I just knew we were all gonna blow up.
Sorry to hear you have it roxy..with RA it's important to keep on top of it.
There is really no treatment for COPD- emphysema unless you are having difficulty breathing. Probably because I have hiked so much, it has helped my lung capacity. The problem with having it is it makes you more likely for lung infection. One more thing to worry about. My rd said you do not have to smoke much to get it and you can also get it from second hand smoke. I smoked for close to two years when my daughter was diagnosed schizophrenic. That is all they do in those mental hospitals and I wasn't exactly concerned about my health. I forgot about that time. It is all a blur. Anyway, there is nothing I can do now but exercise. I just wanted to let all of you casual smokers know - I was never a daily smoker - very casual - except when I would spend time with my daughter after diagnosis. I don't do that now when I visit her. She tries to talk me into having a cig with her - I think she thinks it is kind of a bonding thing. My rd said it would be no big deal if I didn't have ra.
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