Breathing Problems

[holy grail]

Hello everyone--I'm new here. This is my first post. I hope someone can help me. I was  diagnosed with SS in 1996. I also have RA, Lupus, and Diabetes. I was exposed to cigarette smoke.  Since then, I've been having trouble breathing. That was three weeks ago. The x-ray just showed minimal old scar tissue. They did a CT scan today. Does anyone know what the cigarette smoke could have done and will it get better?  I had a similar experience in 98 when they removed my gallbladder.  My breathing returned to normal after about two months. I'm really concerned since I've SS for awhile mow. I would be very appreciative of any information since the drs won't tell me anything. I also tried an inhaler, but it didn't help at all. It only made me drier.

Thanks everyone and im so glad to have someone that understands!

[iraisin]

Well the second-hand smoke must have triggered the same thing as the anesthesia did.

To me, it doesn't sound like a "smoke" thing or an "anesthesia" thing - but something underlying that certain things can trigger.


Have you gone to see a pulmologist?

[holy grail]

Yes, I went to see a pulmologist, but he hasn't given me any answers yet. Thanks foe your reply.

Diane

[Gayle]

Hmmm... I would be contacting the lung dr again and maybe an allergist... something is triggering it...

[irish]

Gayle, What kind of an inhaler are they giving you??? It may be that you need a steroid inhaler to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your lungs. Then when you use the albuterol inhaler you will get a better result.

Reason being: the steroids take down the redness and swelling and the albuterol expands the airways. Need both inhalers to make for better air exchange. Also, if you are having breathing issues you would be wise to see a pulmoanry. With the sjogrens and lupus you are more prone to "organ" involvement and the lungs are an organ. The regular docs have not caught on to the fact that sjogrens is a serious disease that can involve the lungs and kidneys also.

Don't worry about hurting a doctors feelings---just get some more input on your lungs and how to deal with them. Might be that they are borderline issues and when exposed to an irritant it kicks them over the edge. Whatever the reason, it may be that you need one of the big gun medications to cut down on the immune attack to them. Good luck. Irish

[holy grail]

I go to a lung dr. He gave me the inhaler, ProAir. Is that suppose to be a good one?  The dr. doesn't answer my questions. I called on Friday to get the results from my CT scan and the nurse said the dr. was gone for the day and I could come in Wednesday and the dr. would go over a plan with me. I'm going to look for another lung dr. He doesn't seem like he cares.  Do the inhalers you use seem to dry you out more?

Also, my rhematologist  had done a D-Dimer test on me and it came back high and that's why they did the CT scan.

Diane

[slccom]

Pro-Air is albuterol. There is no steroid. You might want to print out something on Sjogren's, and lung issues, such as Sass' stuff, and let your pulmonologist know that this is not normal lung tissue and that he needs to realize that and get on the stick.

Sharon

[iraisin]

I concur with these ladies.

Breathing is important, pretty much necessary for survival. I know you're probably short on strength if your lungs aren't working well, but muster up as much as you can and get the whipping stick out.

Call the local hospitals or whomever you can think of and get some intel on good Pulminary Doctors that are familiar with AI disease issues and pick one, or more. Interview them over the phone if you can - then schedule your appointment.

Then fire this guy that isn't treating you effectively. Some doctors are more interested in their billing department and less on their patients - sounds like that's what you've got in your basket right now. Fire the dude.

I'm sure the folks here can brainstorm some good questions for you to ask and base your decision on.

[holy grail]

I'm definitely going to find another lung dr. I found another rheumatoligist after 16 years. I definitely had my ups and downs with him. It's so hard to find a good, kind, and knowledgeable dr. I've been searching for a long time for a good PCP. I can't believe when I called my lung dr for the results for my CT scan how their attitude was. She said he was gone for the day and I could come in this Wednesday and they would come up with a plan. It's had me wondering all weekend.

Anyway, today is my birthday and I need to count my blessings!
Diane

[Gayle]

Happy Birthday Diane!!!

[holy grail]

Thank you Gayle!

[Katybarstool]

Wishing you a very happy birthday Diane. Are you planning anything special? Cake?

Kathyx

[holy grail]

Thanks Kathy!  Just being with my family and having cake. I've been going through so much lately that I don't want to go out. I've got to be careful not to eat too much cake. I don't want to gain my weight back. I've recently lost 32 lbs. 

[iraisin]

Well, happy birthday you sexaay thing!

[holy grail]

Thank you I raisin!