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recent pulmomary test

Posted by zebra2022 @zebra2022, Feb 19, 2023

I just recently had a pulmonary test done last week by request from my rheumatologist. I asked her if my shortness of breath was due to my cryoglobulinemia only because I started having issues after my system changed back in September. I noticed that when it got colder I would have problems breathing, or shortness of breath. I've already gone to urgent care twice and the ER once for shortness of breath with chest pains. My rheumatologist said it has nothing to do with the autoimmune disorder but that I have lung disease. When I got the notes back from the pulmonary test it said that my diffusion capacity is moderately reduced. and that it may be secondary to anemia (which I have), parenchymal lung disease, or pulmonary vascular disease.
I know I have asthma, and when I had shortness of breath my inhaler would not even touch my breathing. The tests they did on my heart from the chest pains came back normal. no signs of heart attack. Plust nothing on my xrays for my lungs, all normal. I am still thinking it has something to do with my cryoglobulinemia where my body gets wonky when I get cold or if i'm in a cold room. If I breathe warm or hot air my breathing is fine no issues.
I just don't know who to ask or what to ask my current doctors to find out any concrete diagnosis of what is causing everything.

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vic83 | @vic83 | Feb 20, 2023

Yes, it can all be confusing. My experience:
1) Originally, mild shortness of breath, went to Urgent Care. EKG good, but abnormal chest x-ray.
2) Saw local Pulmonologist, ordered CT scan, PET scan confirmed something on lung. Pulmonary test result was mild/moderate loss. No mention of heart issue causing shortness of breath
3)Sent scans to Mayo and was called by Mayo Pulmonologist who said SOB was a heart problem
4) Same day go to ER - troponin elevated, angiogram shows 70% blockage but do not do stent, put on medication
5) Lung surgery at Mayo, cancer removed but have Multifocal other issues with lungs
6) Do Cardiac Stent
7) Do cardio rehab, continue exercising
RESULT: I still have SOB. I can do easily 30 minutes on treadmill but under exertion (carrying things, bending, anxious) I have SOB. My oxygen levels are good but drop with heavier exercise.

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1 reply
nla4625 | @nla4625 | Mar 1, 2023
In reply to @vic83 "Yes, it can all be confusing. My experience: 1) Originally, mild shortness of breath, went to..." + (show)
@vic83

Yes, it can all be confusing. My experience:
1) Originally, mild shortness of breath, went to Urgent Care. EKG good, but abnormal chest x-ray.
2) Saw local Pulmonologist, ordered CT scan, PET scan confirmed something on lung. Pulmonary test result was mild/moderate loss. No mention of heart issue causing shortness of breath
3)Sent scans to Mayo and was called by Mayo Pulmonologist who said SOB was a heart problem
4) Same day go to ER - troponin elevated, angiogram shows 70% blockage but do not do stent, put on medication
5) Lung surgery at Mayo, cancer removed but have Multifocal other issues with lungs
6) Do Cardiac Stent
7) Do cardio rehab, continue exercising
RESULT: I still have SOB. I can do easily 30 minutes on treadmill but under exertion (carrying things, bending, anxious) I have SOB. My oxygen levels are good but drop with heavier exercise.

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You might check your latest chest x-ray to see if either of your lungs is raised, indicating a paralyzed diaphragm. With your surgeries, one of your surgeons might have damaged the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. SOB is a symptom of a paralyzed diaphragm. If your lung is raised, a SNIFF test would confirm if you have a paralyzed diaphragm. I hope you don't!

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