Please can someone help, I was diagnosed with severe COPD a few months ago, have now also been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis,

[puffless]

Gp said i would be going on a PH course, up to now not heard a thing, been to see him coz with this weather its tough to get a breath, had to buy my own Nebulizer, which was a suprise, but it helps. could not get on here for some time, when i did i found that all my conversation are gone, ? whats going on ?

[peege]

Hi there, I'm thinking you might get some information from calling the help line. I wonder if, that now you've been diagnosed with bronchiatasis does that mean it's no longer copd?

I'm having my 1st CT scan on Friday, I was told by my GP that if it's bronchiactasis it will be treated with Azithromycin and steroids when necessary.

How was yours diagnosed?

re buying your own nebuliser, I believe it depends on where you live whether or not you get one on NHS but the drugs are on 'script'.

re PH, I think you probably mean PR - pulmonary rehab. You have to keep pressing for it because it could make a real difference to you life. I am in my 4th week now and it's absolutely marvellous. Life changing for me at least. I just went for a swim after my PR session this morning

The site has undergone a re-vamp because it needed to be brought up to date. Just about back to normal now - I think! Take care, P

[puffless in reply to peege]

hi peeg, i was diagnosed with COPD in feb then i had a scan and a lung function test in april which confirmed it was severe COPD, it was my copd nurse that found the Bronchiatasis and then the GP confirmed it, so i am now told that i have both.

Regards Steve

[Bronch1noGO in reply to puffless]

Hi Puffless - like most of the responders here I also have Bronchiectasis along with Asthma and COPD. I'm waiting to have a nebulizer as I'm to have nebulised antibiotics on a permanent basis but hey there are many worse off than me. As to my diagnosis my GP suspected Bronchiectasis but I had to wait to see a consultant who then referred me for a CT scan and with this being done a definite diagnosis was made and my treatment has progressed from there. I've had numerous chest infections over the past 4 years and recently had intravenous antibiotics. PR was a godsend for me as it's given me more confidence as to management of this illness and also shown me that as long as I feel able I can do most things.

Another thing is there a local "Breathe Easy" group in your area? these are of tremendous help to sufferers and their family/friends of all sorts of lung problem. Check it out as you'll benefit from them and make friends who can help and advise you.

Take care Karen X

[peege in reply to puffless]

I'm really sorry to hear that, a double whammy. I hope they help you to manage both conditions well & you can live as full a life as possible peeg

[phillips1]

Hi Puffless

Peeg is right you get the best answers from the helpline. The nurses on there know everything. They are there from 10 - 5pm weekdays and the number is 03000 030 555.

Bobby

[Mocarey]

If you've got bronchiectasis iy's vital you clear all the gunk out of your lungs to prevent infection getting hold. Perhaps you might like to log on to BronchiectasisRus. You will get fantastic info and support there. M

[Hidden]

Hi puffless,

I have Bronchiectasis, COPD covers bronchiectasis and emphysema. I am currently on Spiriva and seretide 250, which Is working well. If you are still smoking, STOP immediately, and most importantly exercise daily. The exercise doesn't have to be rigorous, I just push it to my comfort level and maintain it for as long as I can.

I have found it to be the best medicine of all.

The PH course will probably give you a 6 minute walk test, which determines your oxygen's levels before and after exercise.

They will work out the best course of action from there.

Keith

[puffless in reply to Hidden]

Hi keith49, I stopped smoking just over 4 months ago, and i will never start again.

Regards Steve

[beatles in reply to Hidden]

Couldn't agree more Keith, exercise exercise and exercise. I do a 40 minute session using techniques I learnt in PR, and it makes me feel so much better. Good luck. Adrian

[Mocarey]

Keith, I have been told repeatedly that bronchiectasis doesn't come under the COPD umbrella. Not acording to our consultants anyway. However some healthcare profs consider it does. Talk about confusing. M

[Hidden in reply to Mocarey]

McCary, I have bronchiectasis subject to chest infections. COPD was mentioned at one point. I have had chest infections. I have plenty sputum which makes me feel, by it coming up, that it will keep chest infections away. I agree with everything that has been said and hope that you wont have too many chest infections. I am having a PR assessment shortly which I hope will help. - Annieseed

[Hidden in reply to Mocarey]

It does appear to be a grey area, And like you say it probably depends on the GP.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD),Emphysema)) chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), bronchiectasis)) chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD) Wiki Keith

[themax90]

agree with all that said PR helps gives you all the info you need to help you understan whats going on with your lunds and the best way to keep as fit as you can. I was diagnosed 7 years ago with COPD and im better now than I was then keep up the good work all

Alan

ps Breathe Easys great too