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Well, the Benlysta infusion was cancelled due to lung problems.  I’ve been having breathing difficulties for about 3 months & I saw a Pulmonologist (Lung Specialist) on 2-20-12.    He ran a spirometer test on me which measures your lung capacity.  I was very shocked at the results.   I have only 27% usage of my lungs.  Yet I’m still able to play bowling & other sports on our WII!!!  I get winded for sure but you would think I wouldn’t be able to do much,  yet I carry on my daily activities!   God is good indeed!

The lung doctor has to find out what the cause of my lung issues are & if it’s caused from Lupus (I’ve had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus & Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 18 years old)  or CREST Syndrome.  My Rheumatologist said if it’s from the CREST then I will have to cancel the Benlysta infusions until the CREST Syndrome is done running it’s course.  She said the Benlysta would be good for the Lupus but not for the CREST if it is active & she doesn’t want to endanger me.

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Let’s hope it’s not from the CREST Syndrome as the Rheumatioid Arthritis is claiming my body one part at a time.  My hands & feet are already crippled up, along with both wrists & one elbow.  I don’t allow it to keep me from doing things although I’ve had to completely change how I do most things which was NOT an easy transition since I’m a control freak, LOL!  I’m improving on that all the time.

The Pulmonologist put me on an inhaler called QVAR (which has stopped the wheezing but hasn’t changed the lung capacity) for 3 weeks & then I go 3-21-12 for the rest of the lung testing to find out for certain what my lung issues are & what’s causing it.  It doesn’t help that I smoked for 43 years but I’ve been quit for 1 year now.  The lung doctor agrees with me that he doesn’t think it’s COPD either but he can’t rule it out just yet.  I will get the results on the same day of the test.  Grandma B. out. )