Interstitial Lung Disease and Autoimmune Diseases

Hello, @spiritnsoul Welcome to Connect. We’re a group of people who try to help each other through their health journey with information, resources, and tips on what works and doesn’t work for us. But were not doctors so we can’t diagnose or prescribe medications.
You’ve asked about the medications affecting seniors with osteoporosis. Well, that’s me! I’m a senior who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease about 3 years ago. Initial treatment is 5 days of high-dose steroids followed by oral steroids. Of course i developed osteoporosis . Actually I’m having a DEXA scan this afternoon to see if I’ve made any progress with countering the osteoporosis.. i also take calcium, Fosamax for strengthening bones, and daily walks.
What are you taking for the autoimmune diseases and for bone health?

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I’ve been treated with ILD and RA for 5 years. Taking Cellcept and Plaquinil.
My symptoms are fairly well controlled with some flares involving mostly one shoulder.
I have sharp pains in hands and feet that come on when doing tasks then leave then stop. My lungs are good with occasional coughing which I feel is allergy related.
The RA is different everyday, my best days are when I get up and start moving immediately upon awaking. Using a jacuzzi several times a day, staying warm during cold weather and cool during high temperatures.
I feel fortunate that my symptoms and damage are manageable.

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Good morning, and welcome to Mayo Connect. We are a community living with a variety of conditions, trying to help one another along the way.

It is interesting that pineapple juice helped you - I had not heard of that before. Many people use Mucinex (guaifenesin) to help thin the mucus and make it easier to clear out. If you try it, be sure to use the kind with no other medications added.

The bad news is that the scarring you have, whether from RA (yes it does sometimes affect the lungs) or another cause, is permanent and will not go away. The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep the rest of your lung tissue as healthy as possible.

Do you have a pulmonologist? They can refer you to a Respiratory Therapist who can teach you lung clearance techniques & breathing exercises that are safe for you to do. These help slow the progression of disease & improve oxygen uptake so you feel less weak & tired.
Airway clearance helps get the mucus out and keep it out - very important because infections breed easily in the hidden recesses of damaged lungs. Breathing exercises strengthen & improve the efficiency of your remaining healthy lung tissue.

Have you been referred for respiratory therapy?
Sue

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I am a 69 yr old retired physician who was recently diagnosed with autoimmune pulmonary fibrosis. I am currently on Cellcept; Elavil 100 mg at bedtime, and gabapentin 200 mg bid to help with my cough. At present, I am not to short of breath, except when I am climbing stairs carrying something. I am an avid skier, with no SOB until I climb the stairs up to the parking lot. I currently have no other sypmtoms, and on a good day (minimal cough), I feel much better.

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Welcome @barryh. You may also wish to follow the discussions in the Lung Health support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-conditions/

That's great that you are able to do the things you love, like skiing. You'd love the ski conditions where I am right now. We just got 12 inches of powder snow.

Stairs are hard. Are you patient with yourself and take the breaks you need as you climb them?

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