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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/19/2010
Posts: 10
Location: Oxfordshire
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Hello Everyone
I am newly diagnosed and have been chatting on the new members forum, and thought I would hop on to here as well.
I had my most recent consultation on Wednesday and have been started on Sulfasalazine along with the steroids. Just a little worryingly, my chest x-ray had not been satisfactory, and the radiologist would not clear me for Methotrexate treatment.. I am told that it is possible that the RA may have caused some damage to my lungs, so they would not start me on Methotrexate. I have to have a CT scan on my chest shortly, and if the Radiologist will clear me, I will be on a combination of Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Steroids. If I am not cleared then it's a whole new ball game as they say.
I wonder if anyone else has had this problem?????
Have a great day
Paul.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/28/2009 Posts: 238 Location: North London
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Hi Paul, sorry for the deafening silence. It might be because there are so many ways that lungs go wrong, its hard to pitch in and say 'I had that!' etc without more idea what it could be. Did the CXR report give you any more information at all? best, franky
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/19/2010
Posts: 10
Location: Oxfordshire
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Hello Franky
Thanks for the message, I thought everyone might be away for Bank Holiday, or I was using the wrong deodorant The only thing I know, apart from the short discussion with the consultant on the subject, is that on the form I was given to make my CAT scan appointment with, was written (among other blurb) "Interstitial Lung Disease?" The question mark would suggest that it is one of the things they are looking for. Certainly not too good if it is!
Many thanks again and have a great weekend
Paul.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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Hi Paul, dont have any answers, but just to let you know we are talking to you!! Lots of people are probably away for the Bank Holiday weekend. I hope you get a good result from your tests, and discover the problem, also that you can get onto the right meds. Take care BARBARA
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Paul I just posted a response on your other thread but having now read this one thought I would just add a further comment or two! Please do not worry Paul! Interstial Lung Disease is a term used to differentiate between any of the numerous ailments that are not Obstructive Airway Diseases such as COPD. Unless you are experiencing symptoms to suggest you have a lung problem it will be purely investigative, hence the question mark, to ensure you have no underlying condition prior to prescribing methotrexate. This particular drug, the gold standard treatment for RA, is toxic and will not be prescribed to anyone with existing lung problems because it would almost certainly exacerbate those problems. The 'soft' X-Ray would be inconclusive (and probably pretty fuzzy from my experience!), the CT scan will have the answers. Have you got the appointment through yet? Weekends on the forum tend to be a little quieter and some members are still on their jolly hols! All will be back to normal soon  Enjoy the weekend, Lyn x
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/19/2010
Posts: 10
Location: Oxfordshire
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Hello Lyn
Thank you so much for the informative and encouraging reply. I must confess that, as with all newly diagnosed people I would imagine, I am a little over concerned with the way things seem to be going.
I do have an existing lung problem, in that I am an early COPD sufferer, and take medication to control this. However, my consultant seems to be quite happy with this as far as the prescribing of Methotrexate is concerned, she is of the opinion that all is under control on that front.
The problem seems to be with the x-ray. I was shown the pictures and she pointed out a number of white spots across the lungs which she said are quite normal. However, these same white spots became more intensely concentrated towards the bottom of my lungs, and this gave the radiographer some cause for concern. We will see how things go.
My appointment for the scan is for a week on Monday (September 6th) and I will let you know how things go.
Once again, many thanks and very best wishes
Paul
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Paul, Sorry to hear you are not well with a chest infection, My dad also has COPD and was really poorly with it until he saw a specialist and now he is very well indeed. It's amazing how some drugs can just get to the root of things. I do hope they get you on the correct medicines soon for your RA, you will see such a difference when they do. It's good they are being thorough, try not to worry I know it's hard not too. Take care Lorna
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 312
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Hi there Paul,
'Sorry not to have replied sooner to your post, but
I have been out and about trying to find the infrequent
Sunshine, here in Devon, this weekend, as I have low vitamin D
levels.
Hopefully, you will soon get the all-clear about your chest X ray
and some decent medication.
Looking forward to reading your posts,
Fiona
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