Hi Everyone.
It has been a long time since I've been active on the forum. I keep checking in but I just haven't been able to muster the energy to do much of anything.
Does anyone have any experience with rheumatoid lung disease. I've been short of breath for about 2 years now and I can't seem to beat it. At first they discovered I had severe aortic stenosis and I had valve replacement surgery a year ago. My heart has recovered very well but I still have no energy and and can't walk up a flight of stairs without struggling for breath.
I recently had a CT scan of my lungs and they found atalectesis or pneumonia, a nodule, ground glass appearance and scarring. The diag was the beginning of rheumatoid lung disease. Then I had an apnea study and found out that I have moderate to severe sleep apnea. I've been using a cpap machine for about 2 weeks now.
I still can't muster any energy and I'm wondering if the lungs are what's doing me in. I have ra, fibro, neuropathy and get remacaid every 7 weeks. I have had a lot of pain from the ra etc. but that is pretty much under control right now. I've gained about 30 lbs in the last few years. I've always been very active but really slowed down because of the pain and now the fatigue and breathing. I'm trying to exercise but find it almost impossible to get motivated.
After all that my question is - does anyone have rheumatoid lung disease? How fast does it progress, does it sap your energy and what can I do about it?
I gave up my job as a teacher/family therapist and became a computer engineer but I can't do that either. I'm developing web sites for small business from home and am struggling with that too. I'm getting discouraged and wonder if I'm ever going to feel better.
Thanks for any help you can give me. I am sorry that I can not give you any help, but just wanted to tell you I am sorry that you are having problems. I also had a CT on lungs which showed 2 small nodules but my doctor's said they where nothing. I hope you find some answers and if you do let me know about the nodule.
Take care!!!
sorry tiana I can't help either... but wanted to offer support and my wishes that something better comes of this!!Hugs Tiana.
Pip
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