Posted 2/27/2021 12:12 AM (GMT -6)
I am very new to RA and have some questions. Last year I got pneumonia, and while the infection went away, my lungs didn't clear up. So finally my Dr ran some blood tests to see if he could figure out if I had an inflammatory disease. The blood tests suggested RA, but my primary didn't believe it. She referred me to a rheumatologist, and he did more bloodwork along with the AVISE blood test. I just found out yesterday I definitely have RA. So my lung dr had me do another ct scan of the chest, and he said he found a spot. Wow. He thinks it was caused by a flare up, but the arthritis dr has yet to comment about that. I just had another ct scan 2 days ago, and will find out about that one in 3 weeks. I have read RA can cause lung problems, but what type? Can it cause a small nodule during a flare up? Can it cause inflammation in the lungs? Also i was put on Methotrexate, and am also taking Prednisone 20mg/day from the lung dr. Can these 2 be taken together okay? I've been on the Prednisone for over 2 months now, and will be continuing indefinitely as it keeps me able to breathe better. I'm so scared of the methotrexate, I'm scared of Prednisone long term, and I'm afraid I'll get pneumonia again from taking the methotrexate. I am so lost right now. Any answers, advice you may have would be so helpful.