@windyshores Well, I already know that I don't wish to take prednisone ever again, unless and until, in dire need, and then only begrudgingly (real bad experiences with that). I would consider an immune suppressant though -especially, if my lung problems are related to auto immune. The Rheumatologist I saw thinks that since I have no muscle/joint issue, there is no need for me to see a Rheumatologist for auto immune "anything", in the first place. (back to square one) And while she was available soonest, she practices with the one medical "system" that I dislike.

There is a rheumy near me that is hard to get an appointment with but appears to take a "holistic" approach to treatment-his patient intake forms are like 8 pages long. That is who I really would like to see. I will have to check if Medicare pays for a second opinion. Otherwise, I plan to begin seeing an Allergist/Immunologist in my ENT's office (in a medical system I do like). And she may be able to recommend a pulmonologist for me as well. So, this time I was able to avert a breathing crisis on my own-thankfully- but need medical help planning how to avoid that in the future-whether or not there are answers to the RNP anomaly.

I'm still thinking over the additional tests this Rheumy ordered for "thoroughness": sed rate, C reactive protein, protein electrophoresis, creatine kinase, and the ANA (this time with titer and pattern). I am wondering if the test results differ according to whether I am "flared" at the time of testing or not. By pure serendipity, the first pos ANA and high ENA tests were taken days before a major "flare up" blew up. Since starting the Breo (steroid) (my facial rash is now gone for the first time) and I'm wondering if any further testing is even valid since starting the Breo. I just don't know. Sure would be nice to find a doc who knows these things!