Anyone have Lupus affecting the lungs? I am not very familiar with the disease, but my Mother in law was diagnosed 5 years ago and is getting nowhere with her doctor. She has had many flares in the past, but this time is much worse and has had a fever for well over a month now and all her current doctor is doing is increasing her prednisone. I understand this drug can be the only hope for some, but can also cause severe side effects. Can anyone shed some light for me? I want to help, but feel helpless and am trying to do as much research as I can to get the help she needs.
Oh - by the way, she is seeing a GP, should she being seeing a "specialist" and if so what kind of doctor should she look for??
Dear Ravae, Hello & welcome. I don't have first-hand experience with lung problems, so I'll speak only to your general questions.
There are some "sticky posts" at the top of the thread list. In the one titled "Answers to Lupus Test Results Questions", the moderators permitted a resource to be cited, which has lots of lupus info, on lungs, meds, etc.
Also, the "Resources" box above will take you to more reading material, too.
Rheumatologists specialize in lupus, but some people may use just a GP. But if major organs are affected (like heart, lungs, kidney, or central nervous system), I think most people would prefer a "rheumie", if possible. Rheumies refer patients to additional specialists, too, as needed (like neurologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.) With best wishes to your mom-in-law & to you, Vee
I would definitely want to see a rheumatologist where my Lupus is concerned. They are, after all, the specialists. All my GP did was put me on prednisone. Then he sent me to a rheumy who has taken care of me for all of my lupus-related stuff ever since. I don't really have any lung problems except I think once I had a bit of pleuricy (sp?). Hope your mother gets the help she needs and obviously isn't getting soon.
