Bronchiectasis & heart problems

[SueDeal]

I am new to this site and came across it while doing a little research on my condition!

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2015 after a routine X ray showed a shadow on my lungs. I had various tests and was prescribed Azithromycin 3 times per week.

I also have arrhythmia! I have had a catheter ablation, not completely successful and I still take medication.

My question is; at the start of all my health investigations I had a feeling of pressure against my right side ribs and it comes on with exercise, walking (not fast) neither of my consultants have come up with a solution!

Does anyone with similar conditions get this pain? It could be my heart or it could be my lungs???

[stone-UK]

Hi

Could be a stitch, early warning sign to slow down or stop.

prevention.com/fitness/side...

For you lungs read.

bronchiectasishelp.org.uk./...

[tenaj46 in reply to stone-UK]

Hiya, thank you for the link to bronchiectasishelp.org.uk./... I found a little more info on my condition and it confirmed that I have to be the one in charge because those that ought to be don't care enough.

[Hidden]

Hi SueDeal,

I have had bronch for many years. I was taking azith from 2007. In 2010 I started getting thumping, breathlessness and and fainty feelings. They kept telling me that I wasn't handling my bronch properly. In 2013 it was finally discovered that I had dveloped arrhythmia and I had to come off the azith pronto. If I was you I would be asking some questions of the medics about the symptoms that you are getting and if you should actually be taking azith with arrhythmia.

[Carnival567]

I too have heart and lung problems and am in persistent atrial fibrillation at the moment. I have had a cardiac ablation and several cardioversions. I had af before I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis but have never heard of azithromycin causing arrhythmia, so that is very interesting. Some anti arrhythmia drugs are not very good for people who have lung problems, so it is worth checking the side effects very carefully. I haven't had the kind of pain you have and it is certainly worth reporting to your doctor. I hope you feel better soon xx

[Hidden]

Hi Carnival. I was never told either and I am not happy. I am useless at putting things on here from the internet but I googled 'azithromycin causing arrhythmia' and lots came up. Mostly FDA posts and a Daily Mail article from 2013. The webmd information for the drig also contains the warning.

I am stuck with dilated cardiomyopathy and AF now when I was fine before I started taking it. The doctors of course, just avoid the conversation.

[Carnival567 in reply to Hidden]

I didn't even think of it at the time as I had af beforehand. I too have dilated cardiomyopathy and af. I am waiting for another scan at the Bristol Heart Institute and probably a right heart catheterisation to confirm pulmonary hypertension. I can't have surgery because as the first cardiologist said, my lungs are rubbish, and there is at least one area completely obliterated. What fun it all is! We keep soldiering on don't we. All the best xxx

[Hidden in reply to Carnival567]

Your lungs sound just like mine! I should really have a pacemaker now but my heart consultant just keeps watching me because, like you, any procedure is difficult because of the state of them. It's a joke really. I recently had an xray for my consultant. The poor tecnitian on looking at it appeared to be going to cry and asked me if I was sure that I was feeling ok. I had to tell him this is what lifelong extensive bronchiectasis liikes like and not to worry. I do think that the situation regarding azithromycin and arrhythmia should be clarified and explained to doctors and patients. I had no choice whether to risk taking it because I was not fully informed.

[Carnival567 in reply to Hidden]

Same here. However, having moved hospitals I asked whether I could stop azithromycin and was immediately told yes, so do they know something the other hospital didn't? It is like walking through a maze. They have talked about a pacemaker for me, but it has been dismissed so far. I think being transferred to the Bristol Heart Institute is the best thing that could have happened. It will be the first time in 56 years that I have been to an adult congenital heart disease clinic. They have realised that thanks to the success of the original surgery there are now more adults than children living with CHD. All the best xx

[Hidden in reply to Carnival567]

good luck. I hope that you get the care that you need now.❤️

[Carnival567]

Thank you, and you

[Maximonkey]

Hi Sue, I have both your problems but sorry no pain on the right side during exercise or at rest. Could it be your stance causing the pain. I had really bad back pain until the doctor told me my posture was really bad and could be causing the pain. I readjusted my walking stick and tried to walk tall. At first it did not appear to make any difference but after a while I began to notice less pain. I am still walking tall and my back ache is not as troublesome. take care, Maximonkey