Bronchiectasis since childhood Once again winter arrives get a chest infection prescribed co-amoxiclav and doxycycline taken for a week

[grandadjgg]

Still no better coughing all the time, I always have an emergency supply of steroid tablets undecided whether to wait till Monday when doctors opens again or start them now?

[phillips1]

Hi Grandad, I would start them now to be on the safe side. If you want a second opinion give the BLF nurses a quick call. Click the red balloon in the top right hand corner for the number. Good luck with it.

Bobby

[whit]

yes I agree, start them now before things get worse

[grandadjgg]

Thanks for your replies rang surgery and told it is not an emergency by triage nurse so started my steroids and just to top thinks up took sputum sample on Monday told today they lost it, would I do another one what is the use when I have taken all these antibiotics

[Hidden]

That makes me so angry. So it's not an emergency if you have a high temperature and can't breathe properly now then!! In 2012 I was rushed into hospital with a temperature of 39 degrees and struggling to breathe. It was my first attack of Pseudomonas and I was in for the usual 14 days on IVs. A few days earlier I'd given a sputum sample to my GP who said she'd ring the following week. When she did, she was really surprised to find I was in hospital. How can we give this disease a higher profile??

[ptliverpool]

Most people have never heard of Bronchiectasis (I hadn't until told I have it) The reaction from people when told you have it is to say "is that like bronchitis?" sometimes I just say "yes" its easier than trying to explain. Doctors receptionist should know, but some don't.

Doctors should explain to their staff about lung disease and the importance of fast intervention.

[Hidden]

When I was diagnosed, I worked in a school. When I was telling my workmates, the school nurse was present and she just shrugged her shoulders and said: "hm, bronchitis!" and stomped off. Very supportive!!

[alanjudy]

I had an occupational health assessment this week - I think because my line manager wants to get rid of me. She admitted that she had to look up bronchiectasis! She was also had little knowledge of immune deficiency but the report she produced was good after I told her what to say.

I am not worried about my job as it is probably safer than hers!

Judith