Hi and Thanks! | Arthritis Information

Share
 

Well, I'm ovah the no-moan-yah.  Thanks to all of you for your get well wishes. 

I had to go into the hospital for intravenous antibiotics.  I didn't have typical pneumonia symptons so had a bronchoscopy (lung biopsy) but fortunately it didn't indicate anything bad like RA lung or TB, though they had me in a negative pressure room (isolation) for a few days.  That was fun (actually an annoyance) for anyone coming into my room -- they had to put on a gown, gloves and head gear with air hose.

So final diagnosis, "atypical pneumonia" which the IV antibiotics and respiratory therapy (breathing treatments) handled. 

I wasn't aware that RA or RA meds could affect lungs, so I'm trying to learn more about this, as I've had RA for 3 decades now, and have been on mtx since 1986.  Also, going to make more of an effort to eat better and manage stress.

Again, thanks to all of you for your support.   The understanding and friendship of fellow RAers on these forums helps one get through a health crisis. 

Take care, be well, wishing all a pain free weekend.

Joie (Joy)

 Wow Joie, they really put you thru the wringer with super results!  Nice to have you back and let's hope that you stay.  I, for one enjoyed your post's. 
Hugs.....
[QUOTE=GG]Wow Joie, they really put you thru the wringer with super results!  Nice to have you back and let's hope that you stay.  I, for one enjoyed your posting's. 
Hugs.....
[/QUOTE]Joie,  what an ordeal you've been through! I think you've minimized it. The bronchoscopy alone was a big deal!

Mtx is well known for lung trouble as well as lymphoma and other horrible possibilities, that's why we get labwork done every 8 weeks. I've been on it for about 4 years and believe me, I pay attention to every little cough!
But it is keeping my joints from the deformities, for which I am grateful.
 
I'm so glad you are recovering now.
CathyMarie
Joy - I am so glad to see you again.  You were greatly missed and you missed alot of great fun, but not worth going back to read LOL  Sounds like you learned some new stuff, let us know what you find out.  I know I have a 9 "somethings" in my lungs, but they don't know what they are yet, too small to biopsy. 
 
Why would our lungs be so vulnerable in RA and the doctors watch our lungs so closely?  I will have to put some thought into this - because you catch the RA mycoplasma through air transmission is my first possibility.
justsaynoemore2009-03-21 14:07:31Joie, I'm so happy that you're back with us.  You have been missed.  Sounds like you've been one sick lady.  You should bounce back pretty quickly but don't be surprised if your stamina is low. 
 
RA causes ILD and then our meds can complicate the disease.  I know you haven't been diagnosed with that but it's definately one of the areas to pay close attention to.  Even if it only appears to be a cold anyone with RA should be seen by their primary and have their lungs checked out.  Donn started a thread about being diagnosed with ILD and I hope that everyone reads the thread. 
 
Sorry, didn't mean to preach and I am very happy to see you back.  Lindy
 
 
LinB2009-03-21 17:18:24sorry you had all this going on!  Wow.. Glad you're getting better...  I hope you get better and better  I'm so sorry!  I hope you are feeling better, do take care!!!Wow!  You were one sick girl, Joy.  Glad you're better, and in good spirits :)  Welcome back.Take care Joy, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back on your feet!  Welcome home!
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com