Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group lung problems

Hi everyone I wanted to make a comment about something, however I have never really introduced myself. I created an account several years ago and have not posted much. I really just created the account to do some searches, I should probably go back and create a better name, was in a rush. However I have visited way too much, almost every day.

I was officially diagnosed 5 years ago, however I have had this for a couple of decades, usual symptoms including iritis. About 13 years ago an Eye doctor found I was B-27 positive.
I would go to doctors to get strong NSAID s, finally about 5 years ago it turned so bad that it interfered with my work even with Nsaid s. I finally got to see a Rheumatologist and was formally diagnosed, he said that I should have been diagnosed years ago. The Rheumatologist put me right on Enbrel which remains my primary drug.

However to what I wished to mention, I have notice several people mention lung problems over the last few weeks, I too have just come down with lung problems.
I think it came on for a while and when I was at the doctors about two months ago I mentioned that I was short of breath. He listened to my lungs and said that I had asthma. I have responded to medication, symbicort.

However I find it strange that I suddenly came down with asthma, I am middle aged and have never had it before in my life. I am sort of suspicious of the Enbrel. I always noticed something wrong for a couple of hours after I took it, a very slight shortness of breath. I have told my primary care doctor and my Rheum. However they don’t seem to be concerned.
I think we should keep informed about this. Thanks everyone

I've been seeing a lung specialist lately for shortness of breath. Had lots of tests this week (overnight oximetry and blood gas etc) and am waiting for the results. It comes on sporatically so it's not a constant thing but lying down seems to kick it off sometimes.
I was on Humira for 5 months starting January and have been off it since May so I don't know if it's to blame.
I don't like the fact your docs aren't concerned about it. The lady who's suing Humira for causing permanent eye nerve damage was also told not to worry about but ended up in very bad shape. It's good to be very vigilant.