Hi my name is Janelle.  I have Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Lately I have been experiencing leg weakness and I am all of a sudden out of breath as soon as I stand up.  Could that be related to anyone of my diagnoses or could that be something else?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, breathlessness in connective tissue disease (Lupus or fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis) is suggestive of lung involvement. These diseases can lead to Pulmonary fibrosis, Pulmonary embolism, bronchitis and lung infection. And all these can cause breathlessness. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. PUT (Pulmonary Function Test) 3. CT thorax. All these investigations will definitely diagnose if lung involvement is there. So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.