Bronchiectasis.

Hello. I have non-CF bronchiectasis with a history of pleurisy and tuberculosis, I am retired, male and in my mid-seventies. I live in Scotland. My intention is to network with similar weak lung sufferers in order to gather more information and exchange experiences of my condition. I look forward to hearing from all those who have knowledge and advice concerning how to get through the daily grind of coping with bronchiectasis. I want to say that my condition is not very severe apart from a persistent cough and the occasional exacerbation.

[Katinka46]

Welcome to this forum. I can't help directly as I don't have bronchiectasis. But there are many who do. They are very knowledgeable and supportive. As are all here.

All the best, I hope you are continuing to enjoy the Christmas celebrations.

All the best and let us know how things progress.

Kate xx

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Hi Terrymate and welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help and support on this forum from those who have bronchiectasis and those who don't. I am in the same age band as you and have bronchiectasis and asthma and have had pleurisy in the past as well as many bouts of bronchitis. Like you, I am reasonably well unless I have an exacerbation on the go when things go downhill quickly and for extended periods of time.

Although friends and family have often said that I should expect to have less energy as I am older I do think that bronchiectasis and other lung conditions demand a lot of energy just to keep breathing - and my consultant confirmed this. I have learned to plan so that energy demanding activities are interspersed with those that do not need much physical energy. I try to walk every day for instance and when I get back have a cup of tea or coffee and then do some piano practice. I now change my bed in several sessions instead of all at once as this leaves me feeling very tired indeed.

You have made a good decision to join the forum; you will see posts that cheer you up, that give new ideas for you and a source of support when things get tough.

Hope to 'see' you again.

Best wishes

Pentreath

[grannyjan]

Hi Terry welcome to the site, great place for chats moans and laughs and we put up with all of them. I too have non-CF bronchiectasis, haven't had pleurisy for a very long time, but have also had micro-bacterium xenoppi, which is a none contagious TB and was on over 2 years worth of treatment. I suffer with RA which is what started most of my lung problems on a not too good set of lungs in the first place. If you want to read back my posts it will give you some background.

My cough is very troublesome, and although I am infection free at the moment (touch wood) I do have quite a few doses of AB's over the year, but am lucky enough to be able to have intravenous AB's at home. Feel free to ask any questions that I might be able to answer.

Take care janx

[Kerrieblue]

Hi Terrymate,

I too live in Scotland and have bronchiectasis. Pacing yourself and planning ahead are essential and staying well away from anyone with a cough or cold. Crowded places are a no no, and Internet shopping is a life saver! I always have antibiotics at home so I can start them asap.

Kind regards, Kerrieblue

[Hidden]

I have non cf Bronchiectasis too. Over the years, I have got used to using energy like a bank, using it wisely. Even a shower can be exhausting. Like a previous comment, I get things done bit by bit. Lots of useful information on the forum. Kaye

[Hidden]

I am grateful for all your supportive responses and the tips about saving my energy and avoidance of exacerbation of my lung condition. I shall certainly follow this forum in 2016.

Terry

[Claudine]

Welcome terrymate. This forum has been invaluable over the years. Even some GPs are not really au fait with Bronchiectasis. Managing it and pacing yourself are the secrets. A physiotherapist (chest) is very useful for how to manage it on a daily basis (mornings always best for me - thereafter it's all downhill!). Don't let the surgery put you under the COPD label because it is dealt with differently. Good luck. I'm sure we'll see you back on here soon!

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Terry

Sorry for the delay - I have only just seen your post.

A very wrm welcome to you, although I am sorry you have bronchiectasis.

I too have bronch and more recently asthma, infam arthritis and IBS - apart from that I'm alright! Had bronch since the age of 5 months old, following whooping cough and double pneumonia and then measles at the age of 19 - so you could say a double whammy. Anyway I must have been a toughie to get through that in 1948, albeit with damaged lungs. I'm a little further down the country - a Yorkshire lass.

Look forward to your future posts.

Love cx