Feeling scared 😢

[Polly29]

Hi , I've just been diagnosed last week with bronchiectasis, slightly scared put on mucodyne . 😀

[mrsmummy]

We have several members who have bronchiecstasis and hopefully one will be along to speak to you shortly.

[Polly29 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you 😀

[Hidden]

Hello Polly and a warm welcome from me, the first of many I am certain. I have copd so I can't advise you on your medication, but I know it won't be long before you have several replies. Please don't be scared. Let us know how you get on and come back often, even if you just want a chat - it's not all lung issues on here - we do have fun

xx

[Polly29 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply , I hope to join in with the fun & banter soon x

[O2Trees]

Hi Polly, being newly diagnosed can feel quite shocking and scary - I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis about a year ago and felt like that. I cope mostly with copd and asthma so Im not the most knowledgeable person to speak to you but there are many here who live happy and purposeful lives alongside the condition. The most important thing is some kind of physiotherapy daily to get the mucus up - if you have a respiratory nurse s/he should be able to advise you. Drink lots of liquid to keep the mucus thin and easier to cough up.

You will find your way through this and one of the things I was told by several here is that you're still the same person you were before the diagnosis, even if you feel different. The shock will pass, and do come on here and ask anything you want. Also you can call the BLF helpline who have excellent nurses - 03000 030 555. Good luck to you

[Polly29 in reply to O2Trees]

Thanks for your reply , it is beginning to sink in now , I'm waiting on my physiotherapist app which will hopefully be soon 😀

[O2Trees in reply to Polly29]

Oh that's brilliant Polly, sometimes people aren't as well looked after than they should be, so Im glad that isn't you. Hope the appointment goes well, but in the meantime you can go onto YouTube and search for breathing exercises, in particular "Active Cycle of Breathing" which is designed to bring up the gunk.

[Polly29 in reply to O2Trees]

I will have a look on you tube , thanks for your chat it's nice to get advice from people who have experience first hand 😀

[Kerrieblue]

Hi Polly,

I have lived with Bronchiectasis since 1977. Please feel free to ask any questions.

[davannh]

Hi I am 64 and have had Bronciectasis since childhood. I am lucky living close to a hospital that specialises in lung conditions so I am well looked after. You will learn to pay close attention to your sputum (yuk) and to know when you have an infection which needs treating. Try very hard to do the Active Breathing Cycle daily (at least) and to clear your lungs as much as possible. Keep hydrated and try to follow a sensible diet and lifestyle. Getting tired and run down could leave you open to infection which if you are anything like me will go straight to your lungs. It is not a death sentence.

[Shirleyj]

Don't be scared, it can be managed, I have had asthma for years then diagnosed with bronchiectasis about 5 years ago, I think I had it a lot longer but my doctor at the time wouldn't refer me to lung specialist.

As previously stated so important to keep your lungs as clear as possible, check u tube out for huffing techniques, first sign of infection get those antibiotics down you. Most importantly keep moving if you can, just some walking in the fresh air, it will help you get that gunk off your chest.

There are some very learned people on this forum who will give excellent advice, take it on board, I have and its helped tremendously.

Keep your chin up x x x

[MoyB]

I knew I had asthma but a diagnosis of COPD left me reeling. When a further diagnosis of Bronchiectasis was thrown into the mix I thought my life was at an end so I went into a depression for some months. Through this site, I learned that life goes on! The shock and depression passed and I'm managing pretty well now.

One thing that helped was that a friend made a pretty covered note book for me. I chose to turn it into a log of positives. I avoid writing any negative things in it but record any positives I find in a day. Sometimes I look for 'silver linings' to balance the negatives that have happened and I have found that this has really turned around my thinking. Sometimes the 'silver linings' are a bit thin - but they are there if you look for them.

I re-read the start of my log the other day and it helped me appreciate how far forward I had come. Perhaps you might find it helpful to do something similar?

[Hidden in reply to MoyB]

MoyB

Hello Moy,

That sounds a lovely and very positive thing to do. What helpful advice for Polly.

x

[sarcoid123]

Hello. I have sarcoidosis and have phlegm on my lungs every day.

It has been written above "The most important thing is some kind of physiotherapy daily to get the mucus up." I agree; it completely changed my life as before learning how to do it I was always chesty. I do Active Cycle of Breathing Technique which was taught to me by a physiotherapist at the hospital which I do every morning and evening. (If you type huffing into Google as someone above described breathing techniques you will get something completely different! It is known as huffing as you do a huff at the end of the breathing technique). There is lots of information on Active Cycle of Breathing Technique on Google. If you have trouble finding information please private message me (click on my name at the top).

[Polly29]

Hi everyone , I want to thank you all for your replies & advice , it is greatly appreciated and it's great to know that I can gain tips from this forum x

[Beth1949]

Polly29,

You will learn a lot from this forum.

I have had lung issues for almost 30 yrs, I'm 67. Was diagnosed with bronchiectasis about 5 yrs ago. It can be a shock. And knowing that it is progessive, but you can slow the progession down.

About a year ago, after a second stay in the hospital in two months (and having 5 bronchoscopies in one year) and still feeling sick, I thought: Am I missing something in my care? Are the doctors doing everything for my care? So I got on the internet and came across this website. It has been a great help in managing my care. I haven't had a bronchoscopy or hospital stay since.

What I have learned from this forum:

Be more proactive in your care. I had my specialist put me on a low dosage long term antibiotic. I take Manuka honey each day (antibiotic properites) and turmeric with pepper (anti inflammatory properties) every day. I'm starting to try essential oils as well. Some people on this forum have gotten good results by changing their diets ( no dairy, no processed foods, etc), or drinking certain teas. The list can go on and on.

Exercise when you can. It helps loosen the mucus.

Ask the doctor questions, that is what he's there for. If he doesn't have the answer or the time for you, find another doctor.

Another thing about this forum: You are not alone!! You will get the support from people who truly know what you are going thru.

Stay Healthy, Beth