Advice, Imput, Bronchiecstasis.

[risabel59]

Hi there everyone,

Thanks for reading.

So I don't post that often, I'm a fifty something person. I've had asthma since I was a child. It got much worse in my 30's. Currently I'm considered high functioning brittle stage 4 sometimes stage 5. Because I've had a bad run of things since the summer, my respiratory consultant did some tests in January, and I've just discovered from ct scan that I have cylindrical Bronchiecstasis. He thinks it may have be caused either by long term asthma or by Whooping cough, which I had as a child (even tho' vaccinated).

Anyway, he immediately put me back on Anti-biotics even though I'm quite well at present, and again wants me to take them long term. (humble brag here: ran a ½ marathon at beginning of feb, and was second in my age category).

He also referred me to a Respiratory Pysiotherapist and wants me to go this week. This is my main question, because I feel like such a fake, I don't have any mucus problems at present, I'm not really coughing at all, (only when I run, without ventolin) and I only have a tiny wheeze, so in scheme of things pretty well. Is this appointment going to be really embarrassing as she tries to force mucus from my already clear lungs?

Does anyone have experience of Respiratory Physio, and is it useless if you are well? When I booked the appointment, it didn't seem to matter that I was well.

Any input welcome.

Thanks

R

[Hidden]

Hi Risabel,

Sorry to hear they have discovered bronchiecstasis. Hope it is not too painful.

I haven't found physiothérapy embarrassing but he gave me useful respiratory exercises, to improve my lung capacity and to expectorate yes. If you have a lot of mucus they do tap tap tap^^ a little to help you to shift it.

I hope you have a positive experience xx

[johnsmith]

You need to get a second opinion. The antibiotics could become useless with overuse and damage your digestive system.

Respiratory Physio is to help you cough up the pooled secretions in the lung which are present. The pooled secretions cause increased potential for infection like pneumonia and bronchitis.

[Hidden]

You can run a half marathon!!? I'm seriously impressed! Lucky you and congratulations on your result!!! My asthma is moderate - and well controlled at that - but I have never been able to do distance running (anything over a hundred metres is taking a risk). I can remember giving myself an asthma attack through playing tag in the playground when I was eleven years old - not long after I had started secondary school. I can cope with short bursts of aerobic exercise, but nothing sustained (which is one reason why ballet is my preferred form of exercise). Walking longer distances I can cope with, running them has always been problematic.