Newly diagnosed

[Pelletcatcher]

Hi recently diagnosed with mild bronchiectasis, CT scan ect. Still waiting to see consultant. Had to go private just for the initial tests due to COVID restrictions. Been waiting 2 months still no appointments with the NHS? . Worked as a car mechanic for 46 years , now only doing 3 days a week. Dust and fume filled workshop as the norm. Fitness is good but get breathless alot. Do I walk away from work ? Wait until I see the NHS consultant ? Lack of information is worrying, thx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Pelletcatcher, only can decide what you want to do, I personally would have a word with my GP or respritory team, that can advise which will help you in your decision. Hope this helps, have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Pelletcatcher in reply to Damon1864]

Thank you🙂

[Patk1]

Hi and welcome to the forum.Do u have mucous - if so do read up on ' active cycle of breathing' to give u direction on how to clear airways x2 daily.

Id also look up ' controlled breathing' and practise so it becomes 2nd nature to use when yr breathless,walking etc

[Pelletcatcher in reply to Patk1]

Thank you 🙂

[Katie_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Hi Pelletcatcher,

Welcome to the forum. You'll get lots of useful advice from our forum members here. We also have lots of information about lung conditions, including Bronchiectasis, on the BLF website which might be helpful for you: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

If you're in the UK and would like to have a chat with one our respiratory nurses who may be able to advise you further, just give our helpline a call on 03000 030 555 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm,

Take Care,

Katie

[Pelletcatcher in reply to Katie_ALUK]

Thank you🙂

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you're having this dreadful wait, though waiting times were pretty dreadful pre- covid. You must take care of your health as best you can- leaving workshop door open, that sort of thing, but I expect you do that already. Only you can decide if/ when to give up work -a hard decision. Best wishes.

[johnderby]

Hi Pelletcatcher. Pleased that you are finally getting seen by a consultant. With regard to work, only you can decide, I think it best to wait until after you have seen the consultant before you make any big decisions. Please keep us updated how you get on and good luck. John

[B0xermad]

Hi pelletcatcher,It depends on what your triggers are whether you feel able to continue with your work,finances etc. it does take a bit of time to get on the right medication and mucolyte if needed to help you with exacerbations also a rescue pack of antibiotics and prednisolone it's very hit and miss at the beginning of diagnosis until you know what you can expect. I wish you all the best sorting out with your consultant where you go from here.

[Lfcpremier]

Agree with comments. See how it affects you. Ask for a referral to bronchiectasis specialist.I got numerous infections when 1st diagnosed, working in a special school , very susceptible to 'bugs' & was advised to take a different path. Good luck!

[Delamere]

My best advice to you is see gp get them to refer you to physio starting your breathing techniques and chest clearance now these are your 2 main stays of managing this condition. Wishing you well x

[Mooka]

Hi PelletcatcherI wouldn’t make any decisions on work etc until you have seen a consultant. You may need to wear a good quality mask if you are working in a dusty environment and your employer should have been providing these. Alternatively look for employment in a less dusty fume filled environment. You will need to see a consultant who specialises in Bronchiectasis as not all respiratory consultants know much about it. Neither do GPs. As others have said look up active cycle of breathing and BLF have some great advice in managing your Bronchiectasis.

[Lutontown]

Hello Pelletcatcher. I'd say certainly stop work if you can afford to. You don't say old you are, but if you've been working 46 years, you must be old enough. You also don't say if you are or have been a smoker. I stopped when I was 45, but that was too late. I am sure my bi-basal Bronchiectasis was caused by a long exposure to a bacterial chest infection. Also, lung problems are in my genes. If you've been working with cars 46 years, brake linings were made of asbestos in those days.

My lung problems are controlled fairly well by my medications. All the best.

[CaptainPugwash]

Only You Can Decide What Decisions To Make Some People Will Stay At Work As Having Doing Normal Work Good For Mental Health Etc Others May Leave . I Would Speak To Your Consultant About Your Illness And He Can Advice .. Take Care Keep Safe 🖤🖤

[Pelletcatcher]

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated