So RA is the newer diagnosis for me, and I have questions about having the two together. Apparently, I've had RA for quite a while now, but did not know until I had my first hospital stay from pneumonia. Once I began seeing my pulmo dr at his office, the pneumonia had cleared up but I still had lots of inflammation in my lungs, leaving me on O2 for 24/7. He did blood tests that showed I have RA.
Here is my concern. While researching RA, I found some information that discusses the life-span of those who had been diagnosed with lung problems from the disease, and the average was 8 years from having lung problems from the RA. This really scares me! Does COPD shorten your life span also? Does anyone know anything about having he two together? Last time I had pneumonia, I once again had inflammation in my lungs which stayed for a while after the pneumonia cleared.
Any information, resources etc would be very helpful and most appreciated. Thanks!