Diagnosis

[Canasta4]

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis over 2 yrs ago after a chest x ray. I have never smoked, play table tennis 3 times a week, and indoor bowls, I walk every where and eat healthily. I was given an inhaler which I have never used. Visiting a different Dr. he was surprised with the diagnosis and ordered another x ray which confirmed the result. After yet a 3rd x ray to determine whether I had got any worse I decided to investigate myself and found your site. I understand you need a cat scan to ensure you have bronchiectasis and are supposed to be referred to a specialist consultant. I asked my Dr. and he agreed. So I have been referred, have had a blood test and a cat scan in two weeks time. Reading other people's blogs I wonder if I am unusual in not feeling breathless or unwell.

[bayleyray-uk]

Dear Canasta4,

Welcome to the site, since childhood I have had chronic Asthma and a hay fever season that lasted from May to beginning of October and my Bronc sneakily hid itself away and even though I had plenty of x-rays apart from infections I was never diagnosed. All the time I lead an active life as I got older I became wheezier but we put that down to the Asthma. Jump forward too many years than I care to remember at 62 I came down with a really nasty bug and it decided to stay so that's when I had a CT scan and was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis.

So I consider myself lucky that I got through my middle years being able to go with my daughter on long walks, play chief dancing fairy at fairy tea parties, yoga and weight training (not sure how I ended up doing the weight training though, hubby started to eye up my expanding biceps with a look of concern his face) and walking for at least 3 hours a day.

I think being fit and exercising was a great help especially the cardiovascular gym training and yoga breathing exercises.

I hope you continue to feel well and continue exercising, a good healthy diet and stay away from cough and colds good luck with the scan and blood tests.

Sue

[Canasta4 in reply to bayleyray-uk]

Thanks for your reply, I have been reading everyones comments for a while and finally decided to contribute myself, it does help that other people are in the same boat as you. I agree keeping fit and eating healthy give you a head start into old age. I am lucky to be so active at 76, long may it continue!!

[watergazer]

Hi canasta4- maybe you should use your inhaler in the time being till you get your results then you can see if it helps and feedback to the consultant/doctor.

I remember being in denial when my young daughter was diagnosed with asthma many years ago and it took a lot of persuading to give her the inhaler ( her only sign was a choking cough in the night) but once when we didn't have it with us she had an attack. That was SCARY.

So when I was diagnosed with early signs of bronchiestasis I took my inhaler and there is a marked quality in my life. My bouts of coughing are less frequent and I don't get as many bouts of bronchitis. Sometimes it takes trials of different inhalers to find the perfect one for you.

[Canasta4 in reply to watergazer]

Thanks for your reply. I am rather anti medication, and only take vitamin d tabs. I will wait to see what the consultant says after my cat scan.

[Canasta4]

My cat scan, lung function and blood tests were all fine. The respiratory consultant I saw confirmed I do not have brochiectasis my lungs are healthy. The GP should have referred me to a consultant as soon as a diagnosis was suspected instead of relying on 3 x rays. So I will leave this site and wish you all best wishes for the future. Keep on helping each other!