RA + recent diagnosis of bronchiectasis

terri98

Hi first post (I think) although I joined a long time ago. I'm in the UK.

I've been taken off methotrexate until I've seen the Thoracic Consultant (2month wait for first appointment), pain came back within a week of stopping and I can't take anti inflammatories so have been given prednisone which I'd prefer not to take as have osteoporosis, also makes my silent reflux worse and I wake up choking on thick sputum in nose and throat. I'm taking omeprazole, also Gaviscon Advance at night.

Bronchiectasis was diagnosed by CT scan, and it appears to be long standing. I haven't had any symptoms apart from what I thought was hay fever, occasional tickly cough runny nose for a day or two but didn't bother me.

I caught whooping cough last November (blood test shows pertussis antibodies from recent infection) was coughing for over 3 months and lost a lot of weight as trying to eat would set off coughing fits and I'd end up vomiting.

Rheumatologist referred me for CT scan.

So now I don't know whether my breathlessness, tiredness etc are normal post whooping cough symptoms or not.

Rheumatologist was going to add a biologic to meds as Mxt wasn't working very well not sure if that'll go ahead now as I've read that it's contraindicated, also Mxt should be avoided.

Congratulations if you've got to the end!

Would be grateful for any suggestions, ideas etc about what RA meds and pain relief I'll be allowed to have.

claudsl

Hi @terri98 and welcome back to our friendly online community.

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time at the moment. Unfortunately I'm not qualified to give medical advice but hopefully other members can give opinions based on their experiences. I really hope you get sorted out ASAP.

Take care, Claudia x

Trish9556

Hi @terri98

I can't help you with the RA as I have OA but I was diagnosed with Bronchiecstasis in February 2022 after many years of Asthma and repeated chest infections. Covid lockdowns didn't help as I couldn't see a GP in the preceding 2 years.

I was prescribed Omeprazole, Symicort turboinhaler. I take the inhaler twice daily (2 puffs) and also use in instead of the standard reliever of Ventolin. I was already on 1 x 10 mg Montelukast and Spiriva Respimat inhaler once a day (2 puffs). The consultant told me I must keep a prescription of Amoxicillin at home to take as soon as I get ill. I have to take it for two weeks. This normally helps but sometimes I have to have steroids as well afterwards.

You should be referred to a chest physio to learn ABT - Active Breathing Therapy which is a series of breathing exercises aimed at keeping your lungs clear.

The most important thing I was told was to make sure I had the Pneumonia vaccine from my GP asap, keep up to date with my Flu and Covid boosters and to stay away from people with coughs, colds and flu. Even my grandchildren are not alowed to see me as my boys keep me as safe as possible.

I stopped the Omeprazole last year as it was giving me diarrohea and tummy pains first thing every morning. It wasn't nice and a replacement was just the same so my consultant told me that I must not take them anymore. He did give me something else but I can't remember what it was, for two months. This cleared everything and I now just take Gaviscon Extra when I get bad reflux which was causing constant coughing post eating. I feel so much better with this.

A dry tickly cough and a runny nose is also on my list - I am allergic to grass pollen and take fexofenadine for that and use a mometasone nasal spray for the runny nose.

I don't get many flare ups with the Bronchiecstasis and keep warm and out of damp environments which help. My husband bought a dehumidifier when I was diagnosed which helps with settings for air purifying, laundry and dehumidifier. Shove it in the room with the laundry and it dries perfectly but also helps with other settings when necessary.

It's just a case of knowing your body and knowing what to do when you start with a cold/flu and have all that horrid phelgm. Lung clearance is essential when that happens and I do mine 2/3 times a day when I'm ill.

Would be happy to help with any questions you may have

Trish xx